A newly revealed internal memo from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sparked widespread concern by asserting that immigration officers can forcibly enter private homes without a warrant signed by a judge. The policy marks a sharp departure from long-standing Fourth Amendment interpretations that protect individuals from unreasonable searches and forced home entry.

For decades, immigrants were advised not to open their doors to ICE agents unless presented with a judicial warrant. This guidance, reinforced by community organizations and legal advocates, was rooted in Supreme Court rulings that classify home entry as the most serious form of government intrusion. As a result, ICE officers often resorted to surveillance and public arrests instead.

The memo, obtained by the Associated Press, claims officers may enter homes using only administrative warrants if the individual has a final order of removal. While officers are instructed to knock, identify themselves, and act only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the directive allows forced entry if residents do not comply after a “reasonable chance.”

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The policy shift aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed push for mass deportations, which has intensified immigration enforcement nationwide. In Minneapolis, AP reporters witnessed ICE agents breaking into a home with tactical gear and rifles despite lacking a judicial warrant, raising questions about how widely the new guidance is already being enforced.

Legal experts and lawmakers have reacted sharply. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal called the policy “terrifying” and demanded congressional hearings, warning it threatens constitutional protections for all Americans. Civil rights advocates argue the approach increases the risk of violent confrontations, mistaken raids, and harm to innocent residents.

Critics also note the broader implications for public safety, especially in states with stand-your-ground laws, where residents may legally use force against perceived intruders. With reports of incorrect addresses in ICE records and growing fear in immigrant communities, experts warn the policy could erode trust in law enforcement and redefine what safety at home truly means.

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