Communicating Through ICE Raids: Preparation and Response

As immigration enforcement actions escalate across the United States, organizations face a fraught challenge: how to respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows up at their door.

At a Page Collaboration Hour, legal and communications experts shared insights on what companies are experiencing. Their message was clear: treat this as “when, not if.” For communicators, preparation and clarity can make the difference.

1. Build the response team before you need it

ICE raids can happen without notice. Companies that wait until the moment agents arrive are at a serious disadvantage. Experts advised organizations to designate roles now, including a lead liaison for law enforcement, a scribe to document events, a legal point of contact, and a lead communicator for employees and the press.

Takeaway for communicators: Align with HR, legal and leadership to ensure communication is part of the immediate response, not an afterthought.

2. Understand the types of enforcement

ICE may come with different tools: a search warrant (for documents or individuals), an arrest warrant (for specific people), a Notice of Inspection (to review I-9 forms), or conduct no-warrant patrolling under “reasonable suspicion.” Each scenario carries different rights and obligations.

Takeaway for communicators: Work with legal counsel to develop plain-language employee guidance that clarifies what employees should and should not do in each case.

3. Avoid common missteps

In moments of uncertainty or concern, well-meaning employees may try to interfere with ICE agents. These actions often not only fail to protect people but may constitute crimes and increase liability.

Takeaway for communicators: Comply with the law, and make sure front-line employees understand their rights  when dealing with law enforcement officials.

4. Control the environment, not the outcome

You can’t stop an enforcement action, but you can shape how it unfolds. Asking agents to wait in a conference room while documents are reviewed or a liaison arrives can reduce chaos and risk.

Takeaway for communicators: Prepare scripts for front-line staff that model de-escalating, cooperative language. Understand that enforcement officers may ignore requests to step aside and review documents together, but asking from a place of collaboration can help improve the outcome.

5. Communicate with empathy and values

Employees may be scared, misinformation can spread quickly, and silence can deepen anxiety. At the same time, careless statements, especially about politically charged law enforcement, can expose the company to legal risk. 

Takeaway for communicators: Work hand-in-hand with legal counsel to craft responses that balance empathy with accuracy. Relying on your company values will provide the anchor for external and internal messages.