Recent reports have raised serious concerns about increased immigration enforcement activity in parts of Los Angeles, including federal agents visiting businesses, conducting arrests, and, in some cases, operating alongside California National Guard personnel. These developments have understandably created fear and disruption for business owners, employees, and customers.

Silver Lake is built on the principles of inclusion, creativity, and community—and so are the many neighborhoods our Chamber serves. As President, I want to provide timely resources and verified legal information to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Update on Federal Enforcement Activity (as of June 16, 2025): On June 12, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the deployment of the California National Guard for immigration enforcement, citing constitutional concerns. That order technically remains in place. However, later the same day, a 9th Circuit panel issued an administrative stay, allowing the Guard to remain deployed while legal arguments continue. A formal review is scheduled for the end of this week, which may impact the outcome. In addition to the Guard, active-duty U.S. Marines have been deployed under federal authority (Title 10) to protect federal property and personnel. While this deployment is lawful, it is constrained by the Posse Comitatus Act, meaning Marines cannot enforce immigration law, conduct arrests for civil violations, or enter non-public areas of a business. Separately, while there was a brief pause announced on June 14 regarding ICE worksite enforcement in certain industries—like hospitality, agriculture, and restaurants—that pause was reversed on June 16. As of today, ICE operations have resumed and remain active throughout Los Angeles County.

It is important to note: this ruling applies only to the California National Guard. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations remain lawful and active across Los Angeles County.

KEY INFORMATION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS:

ICE cannot enter non-public business areas without a judicial warrant.
This includes kitchens, storage rooms, offices, and employee-only zones. A judicial warrant—signed by a federal judge—is required. ICE-issued administrative forms (Form I‑200, Form I‑205) do not authorize entry.
See the ACLU’s Know Your Rights: ICE & the Workplace:
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights 

ICE may enter public areas without a warrant.
They may be in customer-facing spaces lawfully, but they must not proceed to restricted or private zones without proper legal authority.

You may request to see a warrant and decline entry to private areas if one is not provided.
Do not physically obstruct agents; calmly insist that they need a judicial warrant.
Refer to ILRC’s employer guide, Know Your Rights: A Guide for California Employers:
https://www.ilrc.org/community-resources/know-your-rights-guide-california-employers 

You are not required to disclose employee immigration status.
Do not share staff information unless served with a valid judicial subpoena or warrant.
See guidance from the National Immigration Law Center:
https://www.nilc.org/issues/workersrights/ 

Document incidents safely.
Record agent names, time, actions, and preserve any video or photo footage. Consult legal support as soon as possible.

Train your team in advance.
Ensure staff know how to respond if federal agents arrive and who is authorized to engage with them.
ACLU SoCal’s California Rapid Response Network provides training and resources:
https://www.aclusocal.org/en/socal-rapid-response-networks 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE ICE VIOLATED THE LAW:

If you witness federal agents:

• Entering private areas without a judicial warrant
• Using excessive force or intimidation
• Causing property damage

You may call 911 or LAPD (1-877-ASK-LAPD) to report the incident. When calling, calmly say:

“This may be trespassing or excessive force by federal agents. We are requesting assistance and would like to file a report.”

LAPD cannot interfere with lawful federal enforcement; however, officers can respond to incidents involving trespass, threats, property damage, or unlawful entry. Under California’s SB 54, local police are prohibited from assisting in civil immigration enforcement unless there is a judicial warrant or serious criminal conduct involved.

FREE LEGAL & RAPID-RESPONSE SUPPORT: 

If you or your staff need legal assistance during ICE-related incidents, the following organizations offer free or low-cost support in Los Angeles:

• Immigrant Defenders Law Center — Free deportation defense and rapid-response legal aid. Hotline: (213) 833-8283
https://www.immdef.org

• Southern California Rapid Response Network — Emergency legal and community support during ICE activity.
Call: 888-624-4752

• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) — Immigration and civil legal services for low-income residents.
https://lafla.org/get-help/nonprofit-assistance/

• Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project — Legal aid for detained immigrants and know-your-rights outreach.
https://www.esperanza-la.org

• Public Counsel — Pro bono legal services for immigrants, small businesses, and nonprofits.
https://www.publiccounsel.org

• Bet Tzedek Legal Services — Free legal support in employment, housing, and immigration matters.
http://www.bettzedek.org

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Southern California — Civil rights and immigration support, especially for AAPI communities.
https://www.advancingjustice-la.org

• CAIR – Greater Los Angeles Area – Legal support, civil rights advocacy, and immigrant protections for Muslim individuals and families.
 Intake & legal help: https://ca.cair.com/losangeles/immigration-services/ Civil Rights Hotline: (714) 776-1177

SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ IMMIGRANTS: 

LGBTQ+ immigrants, particularly transgender, nonbinary, and queer individuals, often face heightened risks during immigration enforcement and detention. The following organizations provide legal services, safety resources, and advocacy specifically for LGBTQ+ immigrants in Los Angeles or statewide with remote access:

• TransLatin@ Coalition
Based in Los Angeles, this organization provides advocacy, legal referrals, housing support, and direct services for transgender and gender-nonconforming immigrants.

https://www.translatinacoalition.org

• Oasis Legal Services
Specializes in legal representation for LGBTQ+ immigrants seeking asylum based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Based in California, they accept remote clients from Los Angeles.

https://www.oasislegalservices.org

• Los Angeles LGBT Center – Immigration Law Project
Provides free or low-cost legal assistance, including asylum applications, removal defense, and humanitarian relief for LGBTQ+ immigrants.

https://lalgbtcenter.org/services/legal-services/immigrant-legal-services

This information is provided to help you operate lawfully and protect your business. It does not constitute legal advice, encourage unlawful behavior, or interfere with federal enforcement.

As President, I will continue to monitor this situation and share verified updates from trusted legal and civic partners. If your business has been impacted or you need support, please reach out.

We are a resilient, values-driven business community. Let’s protect one another and uphold the integrity of Silver Lake and the surrounding neighborhoods we represent.

Respectfully,
Fatima Malik
President, Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce