Internal documents obtained by The Associated Press reveal that federal immigration officers are now authorized to enter people’s homes without a judge’s warrant. This directive comes as part of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts, including in Maine, where a surge in immigration arrests is underway, reshaping enforcement procedures in cities like Minneapolis.
Despite longstanding advice from immigrant advocates and legal aid groups to demand a judge-signed warrant before allowing entry to immigration agents, a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo challenges this guidance. The memo, signed by ICE’s acting director, Todd Lyons, asserts that administrative warrants can be used to arrest immigrants with final removal orders at their residences, bypassing the need for a judge’s approval.
The memo’s contents, used to train new ICE officers, contradict existing training materials within the agency, according to a whistleblower complaint shared with The Associated Press. The extent of the directive’s application in immigration operations remains unclear.
Memo Raises Concerns
Issued on May 12, 2025, the ICE memo justifies the use of administrative warrants for home arrests, despite historical practices favoring judicial warrants. The memo’s legal basis and implications remain vague, prompting questions about its legality and enforcement impact.
Responding to the controversy, Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the use of administrative warrants, emphasizing that individuals targeted have undergone due process and pose a risk. The department’s reliance on administrative warrants in immigration enforcement aligns with legal precedents and congressional recognition, according to McLaughlin.
Despite inquiries about the memo’s impact on enforcement actions, McLaughlin did not address specific instances of ICE home entries based solely on administrative warrants.
ICE Focuses on Maine
With a new operation named “Catch of the Day,” the Trump administration is directing immigration enforcement efforts towards Maine, particularly targeting African refugees in the state’s urban centers. The deployment of over 100 agents to Maine has sparked fear within immigrant communities and drawn criticism from state officials.
Opposition to immigration tactics in Maine includes Governor Janet Mills’ decision to halt the issuance of undercover license plates for immigration agents, reflecting concerns over potential misuse of state resources for enforcement activities.
Amid growing tensions, community support initiatives have emerged, with citizens organizing to aid immigrants and businesses displaying signs rejecting ICE actions. Portland officials have criticized the perceived threat posed by immigration officers, advocating for a more community-oriented approach.
In response to outreach, ICE declined to comment on its Maine operations but confirmed the launch of “Operation Catch of the Day” targeting criminal illegal aliens in the state.
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