ICE Reportedly Entering Homes Without Warrants Since Last Summer

Recent reports reveal that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been entering homes without judicial warrants since last summer. This controversial practice has raised significant concerns regarding its legality and implications on civil rights.

Policy Overview

An internal memorandum, dated May 12, 2025, describes a shift in ICE’s procedures. According to whistleblowers, the document indicates that agents may execute home entries based solely on administrative warrants. These warrants, unlike traditional judicial warrants, are easier to obtain and only require the authorization of ICE officials.

Legal Concerns

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has criticized this policy, asserting it violates the Fourth Amendment. Spencer Amdur, an attorney with the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, condemned the tactics as a disregard for legal boundaries. “It’s part of a consistent pattern of trying to disregard clear legal limits on their authority,” Amdur stated.

Details of Enforcement

While officials did not disclose the number of homes entered, they confirmed that operational activities have intensified across the U.S. since early June 2025. Charlie Wall, the acting deputy director of ICE, has been responsible for implementing this new policy.

• ICE’s operational strategy has faced public scrutiny and protests, particularly in Los Angeles.
• The practice began to be referenced in ICE training materials for agents.
• DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin affirmed that administrative warrants are currently in use but provided no details on the frequency of home entries.

Background and Implications

Historically, ICE has not relied solely on administrative warrants to detain individuals at home. The May memo implies a significant departure from this precedent, as it claims no constitutional provisions prevent such actions. It mentions that individuals targeted for arrest must have had their due process fulfilled prior to entry.

ICE agents are instructed to provide individuals inside with time to comply with the order. The guidelines stipulate that home entries should generally occur between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and that only necessary force should be used during these operations.

This evolving policy reflects a broader trend toward aggressive enforcement practices that further complicate the immigrant landscape within the United States. As ICE continues to ramp up its actions, the implications on civil liberties and due process remain a critical concern for advocates and lawmakers alike.