Conozca sus derechos: Si ICE viene a su lugar de trabajo
Juliana LaMendola • March 20, 2025
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Todas las personas que viven en los Estados Unidos, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, tienen ciertos derechos constitucionales. Si los agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE por sus siglas en inglés) acuden a su lugar de trabajo, deben tener (1) una orden de registro válida o (2) el consentimiento de su empleador para entrar en zonas no públicas. Las áreas no públicas podrían incluir: salas de descanso del personal, salas de servidores, salas mecánicas, oficinas del departamento de RRHH, salas de reuniones privadas, etc. Sin embargo, el ICE puede entrar en las zonas públicas de su lugar de trabajo (vestíbulo, zona de recepción, aparcamiento, etc.) sin una orden judicial o el consentimiento de su empleador.
Si se encuentra con el ICE en su lugar de trabajo, es importante mantener la calma. Si un agente le detiene, puede preguntar si es libre de marcharse. Si le dicen que sí, aléjese tranquilamente. Si le dicen que no, quédese donde está y no intente marcharse.
Tiene derecho a permanecer en silencio. No tiene que hablar con el ICE, responder a ninguna pregunta ni mostrar ningún documento. Si le preguntan por su lugar de nacimiento, cómo entró en Estados Unidos o su situación migratoria, puede negarse a responder o permanecer en silencio. Si decide permanecer en silencio, dígalo en voz alta: «Decido permanecer en silencio». Si los agentes le piden que se ponga de pie en grupo por su condición de inmigrante, no tiene por qué moverse. Prepárate para hacer valer tus derechos descargando, imprimiendo y llevando contigo una «tarjeta roja» (disponible en https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas) en la que indiques que no deseas hablar, responder a preguntas ni firmar documentos.
No está obligado a mostrar documentos de inmigración. Puede negarse a mostrar documentos de identidad que revelen su nacionalidad o ciudadanía. Sin embargo, nunca muestre documentos falsos ni facilite información falsa.
Si le detienen o le ponen bajo custodia, tiene derecho a ponerse en contacto con un abogado inmediatamente. Aunque no tenga abogado, puede decir a los agentes de inmigración: «Quiero hablar con un abogado». Si tiene un abogado, tiene derecho a hablar con él y, si es posible, presentar una prueba de esta relación (como un formulario G-28 firmado) a un agente. Si no tiene abogado, pida una lista de abogados pro bono (gratuitos)
o low bono (de bajo coste).
No tiene que firmar nada sin hablar antes con un abogado. Si decide firmar algún documento, asegúrese de que entiende perfectamente lo que significa, ya que la firma puede suponer la renuncia a sus derechos o la deportación.
Si cree que se han violado sus derechos, escriba lo sucedido. Asegúrate de incluir detalles concretos como nombres, números de placa y qué se dijo y se hizo exactamente. Denuncie la violación a un abogado o a una organización de defensa de los derechos de los inmigrantes lo antes posible.
Si usted o alguien que usted conoce puede ser afectado por esta orden ejecutiva, mantenerse informado y entender sus derechos es crucial. En Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., nuestros abogados de inmigración de confianza están disponibles para proporcionar orientación y apoyo durante este tiempo incierto. Por favor contáctenos si necesita ayuda.
Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.
On March 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a policy update that limits gender marker selections on all immigration forms and systems to two biological sexes: male and female. This change eliminates the option for applicants to select a non-binary or “X” gender marker—an option that had previously been permitted on some forms. While USCIS emphasizes that this update does not change who qualifies for immigration benefits, it may significantly impact how certain applications—particularly asylum claims based on gender identity-related persecution—are understood and evaluated. What Has Changed? Under the revised policy, applicants may now only choose “Male” or “Female” when completing USCIS forms. The ability to select a non-binary or third-gender option is no longer available. Applicants may still request to change their gender marker with USCIS, but only within the male/female binary. Supporting documentation, such as medical or legal records, is not required to make the change. This means that transgender individuals can still align their gender marker with their identity—if it falls within the two binary categories—but non-binary individuals are no longer represented. The change follows guidance issued by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which called for greater consistency in the collection of sex and gender data across federal agencies. Impact on Asylum Applicants This policy update is especially important for individuals applying for asylum based on persecution related to their gender identity. Under U.S. immigration law, asylum is available to people who have suffered persecution—or fear future persecution—based on their membership in a “particular social group.” This includes people targeted for being transgender, gender non-conforming, or otherwise not aligning with socially expected gender roles in their home country. Although the legal standard for asylum remains unchanged, the removal of the non-binary gender marker could make it harder for some applicants to clearly present and document their identity. In asylum cases, credibility and clarity are crucial. The ability to accurately reflect one’s gender identity on official forms can play an important role in establishing the foundation of a persecution claim. Now, applicants who identify as non-binary or outside the traditional male/female categories may be forced to select a gender that does not align with their lived experience. This could lead to confusion in their case file or require additional explanation during interviews or hearings. This policy could weaken the strength of some asylum claims—not because the underlying facts have changed, but because the official forms now fail to reflect the applicant’s true identity. For example: A non-binary person applying for asylum after being targeted in their home country may now have to select “Male” or “Female” on their asylum application, despite not identifying as either. This mismatch may lead adjudicators to question the applicant’s identity, possibly weakening the strength of the claim or requiring added clarification and documentation. In defensive asylum cases—where applicants are in removal proceedings—such inconsistencies could create unnecessary hurdles and complicate the evidentiary presentation. What Can Applicants Do? Despite the change, individuals can still pursue asylum based on gender identity. The underlying eligibility criteria remain the same. However, applicants should be prepared to clearly explain any differences between their stated identity and the gender marker required on USCIS forms. Applicants are encouraged to: Include a personal declaration explaining their gender identity in detail and how it relates to their fear of persecution. Provide evidence such as affidavits, country condition reports, or expert testimony that supports the claim. Work with an experienced immigration attorney who can help present the claim effectively and prepare for any questions that might arise from the new form limitations. The new USCIS policy on gender markers may seem like a technical update, but for asylum seekers fleeing gender-based persecution, it has real implications. While individuals are still legally eligible to seek protection, the limitation to binary gender options could make it more difficult to fully and clearly present their case. If you or someone you know is facing immigration challenges related to gender identity—or is concerned about how this policy may impact an asylum claim—please contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. We’re here to help ensure your voice is heard and your case is handled with the care and expertise it deserves.
In 2025, the immigration landscape continues to shift under the weight of national security concerns, ushered in by Executive Order “ Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. ” This directive tasks federal agencies—including the U.S. Department of State—with implementing enhanced screening and vetting protocols for all foreign nationals seeking visas or other immigration benefits. The result? A dramatically intensified vetting process, along with mounting concerns from immigrants, attorneys, and civil liberties advocates alike. Traditionally, airport security focused on verifying travel documents and screening for prohibited items, while consular officers assessed the legitimacy of visa petitions and the admissibility of applicants. Extreme vetting, however, represents a significant shift toward a far more invasive and comprehensive investigative process. It now includes detailed background checks, biometric verification, digital forensics, and expansive scrutiny of an applicant’s online presence and criminal or financial records. Since President Trump’s second term began in January 2025, the implementation of extreme vetting has expanded rapidly. Today, border screenings go far beyond routine document checks, encompassing a full-scale evaluation of a traveler’s digital life. This pivot reflects the administration’s intensified focus on national security, but it has also triggered urgent discussions about privacy, due process, and the fairness of modern immigration enforcement. At U.S. ports of entry—especially airports—noncitizens are now subject to rigorous and invasive procedures, including: Inspection of cell phones, laptops, and other devices (including deleted content) Review of social media activity on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) Biometric scanning, including fingerprinting and facial recognition These measures are no longer confined to travelers from high-risk countries. In practice, extreme vetting applies broadly across all nationalities, and increasingly affects lawful permanent residents as well. For noncitizens, this new landscape introduces a heightened level of uncertainty and vulnerability. Delays at U.S. consulates for visa issuance or renewal are becoming routine. Travelers must now be acutely aware of these changes, and those attending consular interviews or seeking visa renewals should be prepared to provide additional documentation verifying their maintenance of status, compliance with visa conditions, and the bona fide nature of their visa applications. It is critical to organize supporting materials in advance and be ready to answer questions about employment, education, travel history, and online activity. As the U.S. government continues to expand its use of data-driven risk assessment tools, travelers must adapt to a new normal, one where preparation is essential to navigating the immigration system without disruption.
For international business owners and entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade with the United States , the opportunity to expand operations and establish a physical presence in the U.S. may be more accessible than expected. The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is specifically designed to facilitate this type of business activity and offers a strategic pathway for qualifying individuals to live and work in the United States while managing or developing trade relationships. While 2025 has brought a trend of changes in immigration policy, the E-1 visa continues to stand out as a viable and welcoming option . Despite increased scrutiny across various immigration categories, this visa remains suitable for those involved in consistent, qualifying trade with the U.S. Its structure and purpose align well with current business realities, making it a stable choice even amid policy shifts. The E-1 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States . To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are engaged in substantial trade—defined as a continuous flow of sizable international transactions—primarily between their home country and the U.S. Unlike investment-based visas, the E-1 visa does not require a fixed monetary threshold. Instead, it emphasizes active commercial exchange, such as the regular transfer of goods, services, or technology. This visa is applicable across a wide range of industries , including but not limited to manufacturing, logistics, professional services, consulting, finance, tourism, and technology. If more than 50% of your international trade is with the United States, and the business activity is consistent and well-documented, the E-1 visa may be a strong fit for your current business model. In addition to its flexibility, the E-1 visa is renewable as long as the trade activity continues. It also extends benefits to eligible family members: spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal visa holder, and spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, offering added support and financial opportunity for the family. This visa category is particularly well-suited for business professionals who are already operating in international markets and looking to formalize or expand their presence in the U.S. It rewards active engagement, proven commercial performance, and long-term trade partnerships. If you are currently engaged in trade with the United States and are considering expanding your business operations, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa may provide a clear and effective route forward. Our attorneys at Santos Lloyd Law Firm are here to help you assess your qualifications and guide you through each stage of the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
