ICE Raids: What You Need to Know to Identify a Judicial Warrant and Protect Your Home

ICE Judicial Warrant

Know Your Legal Rights

Prevent Unauthorized Entry

Immigration raids have heightened tension in communities across the country, especially amid increased enforcement operations under President Donald Trump.

In this climate of fear, civil rights experts warn that many immigrants are unaware of what types of warrants agents may present and what their legal limits are when attempting to enter a home.

The distinction between a judicial warrant and an administrative warrant is critical when facing an unexpected visit from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Understanding these differences can determine whether you allow or deny access to a private space.

ICE Needs a Judicial Warrant Signed by a Judge

ICE Judicial Warrant: What You Need to Know – Photo: ICE Agency

During enforcement operations, ICE may only enter a residence or the private area of a workplace if agents present a valid judicial warrant.

“A home is a private place; therefore ICE and officers do not have the right to enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge,” explained Maribel Hernández Rivera, Director of Policy and Government Affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

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The expert emphasized that immigrants have the right to ask officers to identify themselves and show documentation before opening the door.

In an environment where the government has intensified detentions to meet deportation targets, these clarifications become even more relevant.

What to Do If ICE Comes to Your Home

If an officer knocks on the door and requests entry, residents may ask to see the judicial warrant before allowing access.

“It’s very important—if someone comes to your home, knocks, and says they want to enter, you can say: ‘I want to see the judicial warrant signed by a judge,’” Hernández Rivera stressed.

Agents can slide the document under the door, a practice that reduces risk and allows verification of authenticity.

“You can check whether the notice is signed by a judge. If it is not signed by a judge, they do not have the right to enter your home,” she added.

In many cases, ICE uses administrative warrants which, although official documents, do not authorize entry into a private residence.

How to Identify a Valid Judicial Warrant from ICE

The organization Make the Road New York reminds the public that the Fourth Amendment protects all people against searches without probable cause.

Judicial warrants may be either arrest warrants or search warrants, depending on the agents’ objective.

A valid document must be signed by a judge and clearly display the name of a state or federal court, such as “Supreme Court of the State of New York.”

The group warns that “it is very rare for ICE to obtain a valid judicial warrant,” which means agents often present forms that appear official but do not grant legal authority to enter a home.

Key Differences Between the Two Types of Warrants

A judicial warrant allows ICE to enter a home or private area of a workplace.

It must be signed by a judge and issued by a recognized court.

By contrast, an administrative warrant does not authorize entry into a private residence. It is signed by an ICE supervisor and typically lists the “Department of Homeland Security” at the top.

Recognizing these distinctions provides crucial tools for responding during an enforcement operation.

How to Respond to an Attempted Unlawful Entry

If an officer insists on entering without proper documentation, residents should prioritize their safety.

Confrontation is not recommended. However, documenting the incident with video or audio—if circumstances allow—can be helpful.

Requesting to see the warrant, identifying who signed it, and confirming which authority issued it are essential steps to protect fundamental rights in high-risk situations.

Being informed can make a critical difference when every decision counts, according to La Opinión y Telemundo.