Ian Wagreich Offers Recommendations for Restaurant Owners and Employees Amid Increasing ICE Arrests

Hinshaw immigration partner Ian Wagreich was recently quoted in a story by Nation's Restaurant News discussing the impact of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests on the restaurant industry.

According to the U.S. Center for Migration Studies, approximately one million undocumented immigrants work in the restaurant industry. The article highlights several recent incidents where restaurant owners and employees were detained by ICE, causing significant disruptions to their businesses.

Wagreich emphasized the importance of staying informed and prepared, regardless of immigration status. He advised that "if an individual owner or employee is detained by ICE, they should remain calm and should not sign anything presented to sign without first speaking with a lawyer. These documents could potentially waive certain rights that are due to detained individuals." He also reminded that detained individuals have specific rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel, the right to contact their consulate, and the right to due process.

Additionally, Wagreich recommended that restaurant owners always request a warrant from ICE agents that is signed and dated by a judge. "If the warrant is not signed by a judge, the officers have no right to use that warrant as an excuse to search the premises," he explained. He also advised documenting all essential details about the warrant, including the name of the supervising agent and any U.S. attorney involved in the case.

Read the full article.

Media Coverage

• Nation's Restaurant News: "Recent ICE arrests put restaurants on alert—here's how operators should prepare" (April 2, 2025)
• Restaurant Hospitality: "Recent ICE arrests put restaurants on alert—here’s how operators should prepare" (April 2, 2025)