Things to Know About Immigration Arrests and Raids
Since the beginning of 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been ramping up their efforts, meaning there have been an alarming number of arrests and raids. Although protests continue to pop up all over the country, there is no sign of these raids slowing down any time soon. For non-citizens, news of these arrests is very frightening. Below, our Atlanta deportation defense lawyer explains the most important things to know about ICE raids.
Individuals Targeted for Arrest
There are a number of individuals who are at risk of being arrested by ICE. Many people know that when an individual does not have lawful immigration status in the United States, they may be arrested and detained by ICE. However, lawful permanent residents and other individuals with legal immigration status can also be arrested by ICE if they have been convicted of certain criminal offenses. ICE officers do prioritize who they will target for arrest. Their priorities are as follows:
- Anyone who poses a threat to national security
- Anyone who has unlawfully entered the United States
- Anyone who poses a threat to public safety, such as those who have previously been arrested or have faced charges involving firearms and other weapons
It is important to know that the above priorities change often. Even when ICE or another government agency states a priority, such as people with criminal histories, innocent people are still often arrested and detained.
How ICE Identifies Individuals for Arrest
It is not uncommon for people to be surprised that they are approached or arrested by ICE and wonder how the agency identified them. There are many ways ICE identifies individuals for arrest and they include:
- Immigration applications, such as for work authorization, green cards, naturalization, and other types of legal immigration status
- Arrests at local police stations, particularly if fingerprints were taken
- Pending criminal cases
- Parole or probation information
- Registered vehicles and driver’s license applications
Where ICE Makes Arrests
ICE often wants to catch people off guard to ensure they can make an arrest and the individual does not flee. Unfortunately, this means individuals can face an ICE arrest nearly anywhere they go, including:
- Work
- Home
- Inside courthouses and outside after a case
- Drivers who are pulled over for a traffic stop
It is Not Always Easy to Identify ICE Agents
ICE agents sometimes dress and act as police officers. They may even tell you they are police officers, even though they are immigration agents. They also often used unmarked vehicles when conducting raids. If you are approached, ask the agent where they work and if they are from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or ICE. You can also look for identifying information on their uniforms, paperwork, or vehicles.
Call Our Deportation Defense Lawyer in Atlanta Today
If you or someone you love has been arrested by ICE during a raid, you need the help of an Atlanta deportation defense lawyer. For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today at 404-523-3611.
