What should I do if ICE contacts me to enter a rental building or unit?

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office gives guidance on how organizations should interact with ICE, which may be applicable to you as a property owner. To learn more, read the Minnesota Attorney General’s “Know Your Rights with ICE” fact sheet.

What can I do to protect the safety and privacy of my renters?

You can put up signs that mark private or non-public areas. The City provides digital copies of these signs. People without permission can’t enter. This applies to federal law enforcement unless a narrow exception exists, including having a judicial warrant.  

Download the signs  

For specific legal questions, including the impacts of using this or similar signage at your property, or what to do if federal agents do not follow the signs, it is important to consult a professional legal service provider.  

To learn more about when ICE can enter without permission, read the Minnesota Attorney General’s “Know Your Rights with ICE” fact sheet. 

What rights do my renters have, and how do I help protect their privacy and safety?

Learn about immigration rights and resources regardless of housing status.

For legal advice, you should consult a lawyer.

Under what circumstances do I have to let federal immigration agents into my building? What are the consequences if I do not?

Be prepared if ICE wants to enter your building by learning about:

• The right to privacy and how it applies to property owners and renters.
• The difference between administrative warrants, judicial warrants, and subpoenas.
• What to do if ICE comes to your property, and what might happen afterwards.

Read guidance for rental property owners from the National Apartment Association

How can I prepare my rental property staff for an ICE encounter?

Create a preparedness plan for an encounter with ICE or other federal immigration enforcement agents.  

• Share educational resources, so staff learn about their rights as well as renters’ rights. 
• Clarify what is (and is not) expected of staff. 
• Set a protocol for who to notify if ICE comes to the property. 
• Train them on when to call 311 versus 911. 

Who do I call for help if I believe ICE is doing something wrong at a rental property?

• 311: Contact 311 for non-emergency questions. Using 311 helps keep 911 lines open for life-threatening emergencies.
• 911: Call 911 for emergencies, such as someone being taken by force into an unmarked vehicle, or you see someone with a gun and they’re not wearing anything that identifies them as law enforcement.
• COPAL Helpline: 612-255-3112
• Monarca Rapid Response Line: 612-441-2881
• Consult an attorney.