At Work
Workers have rights — even during workplace raids. Knowing these rights can protect you and your coworkers.
If Immigration Arrives at Your Workplace
Section titled “If Immigration Arrives at Your Workplace”Do Not Run
Section titled “Do Not Run”Running can be dangerous and may be used against you. Stay calm.
Remain Silent
Section titled “Remain Silent”“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status — even at work.
Ask if You Are Free to Leave
Section titled “Ask if You Are Free to Leave”“Am I free to leave?”
If the answer is yes, leave calmly. If no, you are being detained.
Ask for a Warrant
Section titled “Ask for a Warrant”Officers need a judicial warrant to enter non-public areas of a workplace. Ask:
“Do you have a judicial warrant?”
An ICE administrative warrant is not enough to enter private workspaces.
Types of Workplace Operations
Section titled “Types of Workplace Operations”I-9 Audit
Section titled “I-9 Audit”- ICE requests employment records from employer
- You may not be present when this happens
- Employer should notify workers and allow time to correct records
- You have the right to consult an attorney
Targeted Enforcement
Section titled “Targeted Enforcement”- ICE comes for specific individuals
- Other workers should continue working
- Do not volunteer information about coworkers
Workplace Raid
Section titled “Workplace Raid”- ICE enters the workplace
- Stay calm, do not run
- Exercise your right to silence
- Do not sign anything
Worker Rights During Enforcement
Section titled “Worker Rights During Enforcement”Even during enforcement actions, you have rights:
| Right | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Remain silent | You don’t have to answer questions |
| Attorney | You can request a lawyer before speaking |
| Don’t sign | Never sign documents you don’t understand |
| Phone call | If detained, you have the right to make calls |
| Personal belongings | You can take your belongings when leaving |
What Employers Can and Cannot Do
Section titled “What Employers Can and Cannot Do”Employers Can:
Section titled “Employers Can:”- Comply with valid warrants
- Provide records under proper legal process
- Allow access to public areas
Employers Cannot:
Section titled “Employers Cannot:”- Force you to speak with ICE
- Retaliate against you for exercising rights
- Discriminate based on perceived immigration status
- Provide records without proper legal process
Preparing Your Workplace
Section titled “Preparing Your Workplace”Talk to Your Coworkers
Section titled “Talk to Your Coworkers”- Share know your rights information
- Create a plan for if enforcement arrives
- Identify trusted coworkers who can help
Know Your Employer’s Policies
Section titled “Know Your Employer’s Policies”- Ask if your employer has a policy on immigration enforcement
- Advocate for worker-protective policies
- Know if your employer will provide legal support
Emergency Contacts at Work
Section titled “Emergency Contacts at Work”Keep accessible (not on your phone if possible):
- Immigration attorney number
- Your cell’s legal contact
- Family emergency contact
- Union representative (if applicable)
If a Coworker is Taken
Section titled “If a Coworker is Taken”- Document: Names, badge numbers, time, where they were taken
- Do not interfere physically
- Contact their emergency contact
- Alert your cell through secure channels
- Consider organizing support (legal funds, family support)
Union Protections
Section titled “Union Protections”If you’re in a union:
- Your union may have specific protections
- Contact your union representative
- Collective bargaining agreements may limit employer cooperation with ICE