Nowadays, immigration authorities like ICE have become very active in Los Angeles. They raid any area or house without any notice. Because of this, undocumented families have to face fear and legal troubles and sometimes it even leads to direct detention or deportation.
Whether someone is a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or undocumented immigrant, knowing legal rights during an ICE encounter is critical. Anyone at risk of immigration enforcement in Los Angeles should understand how to prepare, protect their rights, and connect with an Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles like our team at Orange Law Firm.
What Are Immigration Raids?
Immigration raids are sudden actions ICE takes to capture people who are illegally living in the United States. These raids can happen in a variety of locations, such as:
- Private homes
- Apartment complexes
- Public sidewalks or streets
- Workplaces (especially in industries like construction, restaurants, and hospitality)
- Courthouses or probation check-ins
Types of ICE Enforcement Operations
- Targeted Enforcement Actions: ICE agents seek specific individuals with outstanding deportation orders, criminal records, or prior immigration violations.
- Collateral Arrests: During a raid, ICE may detain others who happen to be nearby, even if they were not originally targeted.
- Worksite Raids: ICE may inspect businesses, looking for unauthorized workers and paperwork violations under I-9 audits.
Recent ICE Activity in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles County, ICE has ramped up activity. According to the ACLU and immigrant advocacy groups, there has been:
- A rise in early morning home visits in predominantly Latino and Asian-American neighborhoods
- Use of unmarked vehicles to conduct arrests
- Increased collaboration with local law enforcement, despite L.A.’s sanctuary policies
Sanctuary City Status in Los Angeles
Los Angeles officially declares itself a sanctuary city, meaning local law enforcement generally does not cooperate with ICE unless mandated by a court order. However, this does not stop federal agents from operating independently. For this reason, residents are advised to stay connected with an Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles.
Know Your Rights During an Immigration Raid
Whether at home, at work, or in public, everyone has rights under the U.S. Constitution regardless of immigration status.
1. At Home: Do Not Open the Door
- ICE agents may pretend to be local police.
- You are not required to open the door unless they show a valid, signed judicial warrant (Form I-200 or I-205 signed by a judge).
- You can ask the agent to slip the warrant under the door.
- Say: “I do not consent to your entry. Please leave the warrant under the door.”
2. You Have the Right to Remain Silent
- You are not required to answer questions about immigration status or place of birth.
- Say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
3. Do Not Sign Anything Without a Lawyer
- ICE agents may pressure people to sign voluntary departure papers or waivers.
- Never sign anything without speaking to an Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles.
4. Record and Document
- If safe, record the encounter with a phone.
- Write down badge numbers, names, and the time/location of the raid.
Detained by ICE in Los Angeles? Here’s What to Do
Take fast action if ICE detains someone in your family.
1. Locate the Detainee
Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System. You will need:
- Full name
- Country of birth
- Date of birth or Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
2. Contact an Immigration Lawyer Immediately
An Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles can:
- Stop deportation proceedings
- File bond motions
- Apply for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status
- Prepare defenses like the 10-year rule or VAWA protections
At Orange Law Firm, we have the experience needed to stand up against ICE and fight for release from detention.
3. Know Bail and Bond Rights
Our experienced Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles team can argue that:
- The detainee is not a flight risk
- The detainee poses no danger to the community
- There are strong family and community ties in the U.S.
Legal Defenses Our Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Use
Detention does not mean automatic removal. Legal defenses include:
1. Asylum and Withholding of Removal
Applicable when a person fears persecution in their home country due to race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or group membership.
2. Cancellation of Removal
Possible if:
- The person has lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years
- Has U.S. citizen or LPR family who would face hardship
- Has good moral character
3. U Visa or VAWA Protections
Victims of crimes or domestic violence may be eligible to remain under humanitarian programs.
4. Adjustment of Status or TPS
Those with qualifying family-based petitions, TPS, or other lawful pathways may be eligible to stay.
Preparing for an ICE Raid: Family Safety Plan
Immigrant families should have a plan in place.
1. Create a Family Emergency Plan
- Identify a trusted contact person
- Memorize important numbers
- Assign guardianship for children
- Keep documents (passports, legal papers) in a secure place
2. Carry a “Know Your Rights” Card
This card informs ICE that you are asserting your right to remain silent and contact an attorney.
3. Connect with Legal Resources
Keep our contact information handy. As your Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles, we offer 24/7 support for immigrants detained in Los Angeles and nearby areas.
Public Pushback in Los Angeles
L.A. has a long-standing history of defending immigrant rights. Community organizers and advocacy groups have:
- Established sanctuary spaces in schools and hospitals
- Funded legal defense programs
- Held Know Your Rights workshops
In 2024 and 2025, protests in Koreatown, Boyle Heights, and San Fernando Valley brought attention to ICE tactics. Support from an Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles like us has been crucial during these times.
How We Help at Orange Law Firm
Led by Attorney Karan Joshi, we provide legal help to clients facing ICE detention and deportation.
Our services include:
- Emergency legal support for ICE arrests
- Representation in immigration court and bond hearings
- Family-based green card petitions and waivers
- Asylum, U Visa, and humanitarian defenses
- Appeals and motions to reopen cases
As a trusted Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles, we serve communities in Downtown
L.A., Van Nuys, Long Beach, and beyond. We offer multilingual services in Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu.
Stay Ready, Stay Informed
Immigration raids can be frightening, but with the right knowledge and legal support, people can defend their rights. Having a plan and knowing when to contact an Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles makes all the difference.
Speak to a Trusted Immigration Raid Lawyer in Los Angeles. Call us at Orange Law Firm at (713) 885-9787 for immediate, confidential immigration help.
