Summary
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are now permitted to enter homes without a judge-signed warrant, using administrative warrants from the Department of Homeland Security instead. This new policy aims to address individuals with final removal orders but raises legal and constitutional concerns regarding privacy and due process.
Key Facts
- ICE agents can now use administrative warrants to enter homes, without needing a judge's signature.
- The new policy allows entry when arresting people who have final removal orders.
- ICE agents must initially knock and identify themselves but can force entry if denied.
- The policy is documented in a memo dated May 12, 2025, signed by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.
- Agents can conduct these operations between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Critics argue that this policy violates the Fourth Amendment, which protects against warrantless searches.
- Legal challenges and criticism focus on potential civil liberties violations.
- The policy has already been enacted, with an incident reported in Minneapolis involving an administrative warrant arrest.
