Local immigration attorney weighs in on ICE raids

SALISBURY, Md. – Rumors have been swirling in the community of potential ICE raids taking place, sparking fear among the immigrant population.

Immigration attorney Steven Planzer said it’s important to know your rights should you be confronted by an ICE agent.

“The police or ICE has to have a reasonable suspicion to stop you, so if they don’t have a reasonable suspicion to stop you, then they can’t just stop you and ask you questions,” said Planzer.

Planzer has practiced immigration law for 15 years and he said many among the immigrant community are afraid because of the ICE raids happening across the country.

“From what I hear they are very scared, they’re afraid of being picked up and deported. Unfortunately, if a client has a deportation order or removal order they will be picked up and most likely deported to their home country,” said Planzer.

Although, Planzer said his firm tries to help people stay in the U.S. legally, he did offer some thoughts on how you can protect yourself if approached by an ICE officer.

“Most importantly is immigration officers have to present an arrest warrant to arrest people,” he said. “It has to be a judicial arrest warrant, not just an ICE detainer or an ICE arrest warrant.”

Planzer said that arrest warrant is also needed should ICE agents come to your house.

“If they come to your house, again in less they have a judicial arrest warrant, you are entitled to say you don’t want any officers to come into your house,” he said. “You don’t have to answer any questions, that is what is required under the Constitution.”

So far, there have been no confirmed ICE raids in the area.

If you need legal help, reach out to Planzer Law LLC located at 1344 South Division St. in Salisbury.