What can you do as a landlord if ICE agents arrive at your property?

We have recently been contacted by one of our landlord clients who was approached and harassed by ICE agents. The agents were demanding information related to tenants that supposedly occupied units in the landlord’s complex.

We were able to discuss the issues with our client and let them know how to respond to the agents. In many situations, you will not be required to disclose any information to ICE agents regarding your tenants.

In this particular case, the ICE agents produced a subpoena and claimed that the landlord had to comply with the subpoena and supply information regarding tenants to the ICE agents. As it turns out, the subpoena was NOT enforceable and the landlord had every right to ignore the subpoena.

Landlord’s may want to consider developing a policy that allows the landlord to inform its tenants if a government agency is requesting information about its tenants. We would certainly be happy to assist if you want to develop such a policy.

As always, if you have any questions about dealing with ICE agents or other government entities, we are always happy to help.