Related videos:
An internal memorandum from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorizes its agents to enter private residences without a court order, according to information released this Thursday.
According to the agency EFE, the document, signed on May 12 by the acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons, was sent to Congress by the group Whistleblower Aid, which represents two anonymous U.S. officials.
The text authorizes immigration agents to "break down doors" and make arrests in private residences through an administrative order signed by an official from the Department of Homeland Security, without the intervention of a judge.
The memorandum states that "the Constitution of the United States, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and immigration regulations do not prohibit the use of administrative orders" for this type of action.
If implemented, the measure would alter a historical principle in immigration operations, which requires judicial authorization to enter a private residence, except in cases of emergency or imminent pursuit.
The leak occurs against the backdrop of intensified immigration raids under the administration of President Donald Trump, with recent operations in states like Minnesota, where a U.S. citizen reported that ICE agents stormed his home without a warrant and arrested him at gunpoint.
The revelation of the document has sparked a wave of criticism from civil organizations and human rights advocates, who are warning of a potential abuse of power and violations of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.
“We are facing a serious erosion of due process,” stated spokespersons from the group Whistleblower Aid, who stressed the need for an independent investigation and the protection of the officials who reported the practice.
Neither the Department of Homeland Security nor ICE has officially responded to requests for information regarding the authenticity of the document, although legislative sources confirmed its receipt by congressional committees.
Filed under: