New York businesses are bracing for the possibility of visits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, with some organizations handing out pamphlets and signs to inform workers and managers of their rights in case of an encounter.
The New York Immigration Coalition has been canvassing local businesses this year, visiting over 1,000 establishments, as the Trump administration has renewed promises to send more ICE officers to the city. According to estimates, roughly 412,000 undocumented immigrants without permanent legal immigration status live in New York City.
Experts warn that individuals should know their rights and be prepared for a visit from ICE agents. "Start making plans within each workplace about what to do if ICE shows up," advises Wennie Chin, senior director of community and civic engagement at the New York Immigration Coalition. "Every individual has the right to remain silent and not answer any questions they don't want to. They always have the right to refuse a search of their person and belongings without a judicial warrant."
Businesses can also take steps to protect themselves by labeling private areas where ICE cannot freely enter. Signs and curtains can be used to delineate these spaces, and managers should stress that these areas are private and that agents need a judicial warrant to enter.
"It's not just about running away or escalating the situation," Chin cautions. "It's about verbally stressing your rights and understanding what they are." Employees and business owners should also ask repeatedly if they're free to go and record any interactions with ICE.
The New York Immigration Coalition has created resources specifically for immigration enforcement safety at the workplace, which can be accessed on their website. The organization is also working to educate people about the difference between judicial and administrative warrants.
In an increasingly uncertain environment, businesses and individuals alike are taking steps to protect themselves and know their rights in case of a visit from ICE agents.
The New York Immigration Coalition has been canvassing local businesses this year, visiting over 1,000 establishments, as the Trump administration has renewed promises to send more ICE officers to the city. According to estimates, roughly 412,000 undocumented immigrants without permanent legal immigration status live in New York City.
Experts warn that individuals should know their rights and be prepared for a visit from ICE agents. "Start making plans within each workplace about what to do if ICE shows up," advises Wennie Chin, senior director of community and civic engagement at the New York Immigration Coalition. "Every individual has the right to remain silent and not answer any questions they don't want to. They always have the right to refuse a search of their person and belongings without a judicial warrant."
Businesses can also take steps to protect themselves by labeling private areas where ICE cannot freely enter. Signs and curtains can be used to delineate these spaces, and managers should stress that these areas are private and that agents need a judicial warrant to enter.
"It's not just about running away or escalating the situation," Chin cautions. "It's about verbally stressing your rights and understanding what they are." Employees and business owners should also ask repeatedly if they're free to go and record any interactions with ICE.
The New York Immigration Coalition has created resources specifically for immigration enforcement safety at the workplace, which can be accessed on their website. The organization is also working to educate people about the difference between judicial and administrative warrants.
In an increasingly uncertain environment, businesses and individuals alike are taking steps to protect themselves and know their rights in case of a visit from ICE agents.
, you think they really gonna start doing that? like what if u dont speak english fluently or dont know ur rights 
, those pamphlets and signs r good but we need more ppl to take this seriously 
, businesses should be aware of dis too and not just rely on gov officials to protect them 
I heard that some business owners are super paranoid about having these guys come around... like what if they just wanna ask some questions? But honestly, it's better to be safe than sorry, right? They should def take those pamphlets and signs seriously. I mean, who doesn't want to know their rights in case of an "unwanted" visit from the authorities? 
I mean, I get it, immigration laws need to be followed, but how can we even know what's going on? There are so many people living here without papers, just trying to make a life for themselves and their families. 
And what's with all these pamphlets and signs? Can't we just have a simple conversation about what's going on? It feels like everything is so complicated... 
they gotta worry about ICE showing up & what happens next 
i mean, can't we just have a smooth immigration process already? 
anyway, the NY Immigration Coalition is doing a good job, imo 
at least they're educating ppl on their rights & how to protect themselves 
businesses should def label private areas & managers should be all about stressing those rights 
also, recording interactions with ICE sounds like a good idea 
gotta have proof, right? 
And why should I have to verbally stress my rights when all I want to do is get back to work? Can't we just have a straightforward conversation without all the drama and politeness? 
Can't we just have a simple, safe workspace where nobody's got to worry about being deported?
. And honestly, I just wanna know what my rights are so I can be prepared 
.
theyre talking about knowing ur rights but its hard to remember when ur just trying to do ur job i wish there wasnt so much drama going on with immigration rn 
. Anyway, I guess it's good that the New York Immigration Coalition is making resources available for people... maybe it'll help prevent some crazy situations from happening.
. Anyway, back to this whole immigration thing... my aunt's friend is from NY and she said that even with all the warnings, people still don't know what their rights are in these situations. It's crazy how little education there is on this topic 
. ICE shows up and suddenly she's an expert on her rights? 
. But I guess it's better than nothing... 
. It's soooo important to know that you can remain silent and not answer questions if you don't want to 
. Let's get our workplaces ICE-ready 
! Anyone got a plan B? #NYC #ImmigrationReform #WorkplaceSafety #KnowYourRights 
! And if you're gonna get raided, at least try to document everything and ask repeatedly if you can leave 
.
️.
... It's about maintaining dignity at work 
.
. Educating people about these differences between judicial and administrative warrants is key 
.
we got this ppl!