What to do if ICE agents show up at your door

Donald Trump's anti-immigration policies have led to increased crackdowns by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with over 10,000 people arrested in June alone. With more than 2 million Koreans living in the US, it's likely they won't be exempt. To understand how to react if an ICE agent arrives at your door, we spoke to Charlotte Weiss, a staff attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project.

Weiss advises not to open the door to ICE agents or accompanying police officers. If they knock, ask for a warrant and have it delivered under the door. Note that administrative warrants issued by the Department of Homeland Security, not judicial warrants signed by a judge, are invalid for entry and search. Verify the warrant's authenticity, issuer, and the scope of the search before opening the door.

If ICE agents force their way in, state you do not consent to entry but do not physically resist. Remain silent during questioning to avoid statements that could be used against you. Avoid confrontation and lying about your identity or submitting false documentation, as these could result in criminal charges.

If you believe your rights have been violated, document the encounter: badge numbers, license plate numbers, agency, and statements made. Obtain witness contact information. For those in detention, filing a habeas petition in federal court is the quickest way to be released. A habeas petition asserts that detention is unlawful under federal law or the US Constitution. Due to the high volume of arrests and detentions, habeas petitions are often decided quickly, depending on the judge's workload.