How To Respond if ICE Arrives
Per an attorney with Ogletree-Eakins in Minneapolis (who should therefore know what she is talking about), it depends upon what paperwork the ICE agent possesses:
Notice of inspection (I-9 audit): A 3-day window to comply is permitted; use it! Do not panic; use the time to prepare documents and consult counsel if needed.
Administrative warrant: This authorizes an arrest or seizure, but not a blanket search of the facility. Restricted areas should be noted with signs; and employers are not required to bring employees from a private area and bring them to ICE agents in a public area.
Judicial Warrant: Employers should not obstruct it, but they can manage the process, e.g., by escorting the named employee to a conference room, potentially limiting disruption and preventing agents from moving unaccompanied through the building.
The general advice is that organizations should have a clear internal protocol before agents ever appear. Identify who must be notified, including legal counsel and senior leadership, and train front-desk staff and managers on how to respond.