ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Since Jan. 20, it seems like President Donald Trump is signing new executive orders and enacting new policies every day.

It can probably feel a little overwhelming at times trying to decipher everything, including rumors swirling around ICE raids around the metro.

KOB 4 have not had any official confirmation that those rumors are true. But it has caused confusion and concern over what to do if ICE shows up at your workplace. 

On Wednesday, the city shared important information for employees and business owners. In a webinar, the city gathered several experts in immigration law and workers rights. This was not meant to give legal advice, but to educate people on laws and rights dealing with immigration status and ICE.

Rachel Lazar from El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos shared tips on what do to before, during and after an ICE investigation at your workplace. 

She says it’s also a good idea to have a company-wide plan beforehand and to make sure at least one person per shift is the point person.

She says before ICE activity, it’s important to clearly mark private spaces that are employee only with signage. Law enforcement, including ICE, are not allowed in private spaces without permission, a search warrant or probable cause.

During ICE activity, employees have a right to ask for the officer’s badge number and agency. Most importantly, you don’t have to talk to them, this is your Fifth Amendment right. 

She also gave information on what to do if a loved one is taken into ICE custody.

“Organizations such as the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center El Centro, the Mexican consulate, has a hotline that you can call to see if they can help identify where that person has been detained. It’s incredibly scary when children get home and their parents are not there. It is incredibly scary for parents when family members are missing, and sometimes they don’t know where people are being detained,” said Lazar. 

She also says it’s important to train employees to ask for a search warrant. These are different from arrest warrants. 

If there is ICE activity, the business owner or employees have the right to ask for legal representation or union help.

For more information, click here.