Below is a practical guide for businesses facing visits by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Administration (ICE).

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(512) 347-8777

Download and Post this Printable Notice at Your Business

Recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Administration (ICE) activity has increasingly targeted the industries we serve, which rely on large, diverse workforces, including restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses, multifamily residential real estate operators and their servicing supplier-partners’ businesses, construction companies, and many other service businesses.

These visits can be disruptive, intimidating, and legally complex if not handled correctly.

This guide is designed to help business owners, managers, and team members understand what ICE can and cannot lawfully do, and how to respond calmly and correctly to protect the business. This guide does not encourage evading the law. It explains how to comply with the law, and only the law.

Many business owners are unaware that ICE does not automatically have the right to enter all areas of a business.

Understanding the difference between lawful authority and administrative pressure is essential.

Why This Matters for Business Owners

Public vs. Non-Public Areas of Your Business

Public areas
Areas open to the general public (e.g., dining rooms during service hours).

Non-public areas
Areas not open to the public, including:

Kitchens
Back offices
Storage rooms
Employee-only spaces

ICE may not enter non-public areas without a valid judicial warrant.

Posting clear signage designating non-public areas is an important protective step.

What ICE Must Have to Enter Non-Public Areas

To lawfully enter non-public areas, ICE must present a valid judicial warrant that:

✔ Is issued by a U.S. District Judge or Magistrate
✔ Is signed by a judge (not ICE or DHS personnel)
✔ Specifically names the business and address

NOT acceptable:

✘ ICE “administrative warrants”
✘ Form I-200 or I-205
✘ Any document signed only by DHS or ICE personnel

If these requirements are not met, the business is not required to consent to entry.

What Employees Should Do If ICE Appears

Employees should be trained to:

Remain calm and professional
Decline entry to non-public areas politely but firmly
Ask to see a judicial warrant
Immediately notify management
Avoid answering questions beyond basic job-related information
Never sign anything

Employees should never argue, interfere, or physically block entry.

What Owners and Managers Should Do

If ICE appears:

Review any warrant carefully before consenting to entry:
- Is it issued by a U.S. District Judge or Magistrate?
- Is it signed by a judge (not ICE or DHS personnel)?
- Does it specifically names this business and address?
Limit access strictly to what the warrant authorizes
Document the interaction (names, agencies, time, scope)
NEVER sign anything
Contact legal counsel immediately!