What Increased ICE Enforcement Means for Immigrant Families

July 21, 2026

ICE Detention

Immigration enforcement has become a growing concern for families across the United States as ICE operations continue to increase. In recent weeks, federal immigration authorities have reported a significant rise in immigration arrests, while two separate enforcement encounters have also drawn national attention after ending in fatal shootings.

Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, was fatally shot during an ICE traffic stop in Houston, Texas. Less than a week later, Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, 26, died after another encounter with ICE agents in Biddeford, Maine. As investigations into both incidents continue, these tragedies have left many immigrant communities feeling anxious about what could happen during an encounter with immigration authorities.

For many families, the questions are immediate and deeply personal. What are your rights if ICE approaches you? What happens if a loved one is detained? How can families prepare before an emergency occurs?

While every immigration case is different, understanding your legal rights and having a plan in place can make an enormous difference. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we believe that education and preparation are some of the most important tools immigrant families have during a time of heightened immigration enforcement.

ICE Enforcement Has Increased Across the Country

Federal immigration enforcement has expanded significantly in recent months, with ICE conducting more arrests in communities across the country. These operations have included traffic stops, workplace enforcement actions, and targeted efforts to locate individuals with outstanding removal orders or pending immigration matters.

As enforcement activity increases, many people are understandably worried that any interaction with law enforcement or immigration officials could have serious consequences.

At the same time, it is important to remember that every encounter is different. Not every person approached by ICE has the same immigration history, legal status, or available defenses. Understanding your individual circumstances and knowing your rights can help you respond appropriately if an encounter occurs.

Understanding the Difference Between ICE and Local Police

One common source of confusion is the role of ICE compared to local law enforcement.

ICE is a federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws. While local police investigate violations of state and local criminal laws, ICE focuses on immigration-related enforcement.

In some communities, local agencies cooperate with ICE through information sharing or other programs. In others, cooperation may be more limited.

Regardless of where you live, it is important to understand that an interaction with local police does not automatically mean ICE will become involved. However, certain arrests or immigration-related issues can increase the likelihood of ICE contact.

Know Your Rights During an ICE Encounter

Whether ICE approaches you in public, at work, or at your home, knowing your rights can help you remain calm and avoid making decisions under pressure.

In many situations, you have important constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney.

If you encounter ICE, consider the following:

Remain calm and avoid arguing with officers.
Do not run or physically resist.
Do not provide false information or false documents.
Ask if you are free to leave.
If you are not free to leave, remain calm and comply with lawful instructions.
Tell officers if you wish to remain silent.
Ask to speak with an attorney before answering questions whenever possible.

Every situation is unique, but staying calm and understanding your rights can help prevent additional legal complications.

What If ICE Comes to Your Home?

Many families are especially concerned about encounters at home.

Generally speaking, ICE cannot simply enter a private residence without legal authority. In many situations, agents must have either permission to enter or a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

If ICE comes to your home:

Stay calm.
Do not open the door simply because officers knock.
Ask officers to identify themselves.
Request that any warrant be shown through a window or slipped under the door if possible.
Do not consent to a search unless you understand your legal rights.
Avoid signing documents you do not fully understand.

Many people mistakenly believe they must immediately allow ICE inside their home. Every situation is different, and understanding the type of warrant involved may affect your legal options.

What Happens If a Loved One Is Detained?

One of the most frightening experiences for a family is learning that a loved one has been taken into ICE custody.

If this happens, try to remain focused on gathering information.

Important first steps include:

Determine where the individual is being held.
Gather identification and immigration documents.
Keep copies of important paperwork in a secure location.
Contact an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible.
Avoid relying on rumors or unverified social media information.

Many people assume deportation happens immediately after an arrest, but that is not always the case. Depending on the circumstances, individuals may have opportunities to seek bond, request relief from removal, or pursue other legal options.

Our ICE detention defense attorneys help individuals and families understand their rights, respond to detention, and pursue every available legal option under U.S. immigration law.

Create a Family Preparedness Plan Before You Need One

One of the best ways to reduce panic during an emergency is to prepare before one happens.

Every immigrant family should consider creating a written emergency plan that everyone understands.

Your plan may include:

Emergency contact information for trusted family members and friends.
Copies of passports, birth certificates, immigration paperwork, and identification.
Contact information for your attorney.
Medical information for family members.
A plan for childcare if parents are unexpectedly detained.
Financial information needed to pay bills or access important accounts.
A safe place to store important documents.

Parents with young children should also discuss who will temporarily care for their children if they become unavailable.

Having these conversations may be uncomfortable, but they can help reduce confusion and stress during an emergency.

Be Careful About Social Media and Misinformation

Periods of increased immigration enforcement often lead to widespread rumors on social media.

While community alerts can sometimes provide helpful information, misinformation spreads quickly and may create unnecessary fear.

Before sharing reports about ICE activity:

Verify information through reliable sources.
Avoid spreading unconfirmed rumors.
Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
Remember that every immigration situation is different.

Reliable legal guidance is far more valuable than speculation shared through social media.

Keep Important Documents Organized

Preparation also means knowing where your important records are before an emergency arises.

Consider keeping copies of:

Passports
Birth certificates
Employment authorization documents
Permanent resident cards
Immigration notices
Court documents
Marriage certificates
Children's school information
Health insurance cards
Medical records

Whenever possible, store digital copies in a secure location that trusted family members can access if necessary.

Don't Assume You Have No Options

Many people believe that once someone is detained by ICE, there is nothing that can be done.

In reality, immigration law is highly fact-specific. Some individuals may qualify for bond, asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, humanitarian relief, or other forms of legal protection.

Others may have defenses based on procedural errors, family relationships, or changes in immigration law.

The sooner an attorney becomes involved, the more opportunities there may be to evaluate every available legal option.

Supporting Your Family During Uncertain Times

The recent deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero have understandably intensified concerns within immigrant communities. Combined with increased immigration enforcement activity nationwide, these events serve as a reminder of how quickly an encounter with ICE can become overwhelming for individuals and families.

Although no one can predict when or where enforcement activity will occur, preparation can help families respond more confidently and make informed decisions during stressful situations.

Understanding your rights, organizing important documents, creating an emergency plan, and knowing where to turn for legal guidance are proactive steps that can provide greater peace of mind.