ICE Arrests 118 in Connecticut: What to Do If ICE Comes
What if ICE shows up at your door today — do you know what to do? ICE Boston arrested 118 people during a four-day targeted operation in southern Connecticut the week of August 24, 2026, citing charges ranging from weapons offenses to assault. The agency said many of those arrested had been released from local jails after officials declined to honor ICE detainers, a practice that is now drawing federal attention and raising the stakes for immigrant communities across New England.
What happened in Connecticut
ICE Boston ran a four-day targeted enforcement operation in southern Connecticut during the week of August 24, 2026. By the end, 118 people had been arrested. Acting ICE Boston Field Office Director David T. Wesling said the operation focused on individuals who had been released from local custody after Connecticut officials refused to honor ICE detainers — formal requests that local jails hold someone for immigration pickup. Wesling specifically criticized Connecticut's TRUST Act, a state law that limits local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Among those arrested, ICE listed charges including sexual assault against a child, child abuse, weapons offenses, drug dealing, and assault. ICE framed the operation as a public safety action, not a broad sweep. Still, large-scale operations like this one create fear in immigrant communities well beyond those targeted — including people with pending green card applications, asylum cases, or valid work permits who have no criminal record.
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What ICE detainers mean for you
An ICE detainer (also called a "hold") is a request ICE sends to a local jail asking them to keep someone in custody for up to 48 extra hours so ICE agents can take over. In sanctuary jurisdictions, local officials may refuse these requests. But ICE can still arrest people after release — on the street, at home, or at work. If you or someone you know has an open immigration case or a past arrest, even a minor one, this kind of operation is a reminder that ICE enforcement can happen at any time.
What to do if ICE comes
- Do not open the door unless ICE has a signed judicial warrant. An administrative ICE warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does not give agents the right to enter your home. Only a warrant signed by a judge does. Ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window.
- Stay calm and say nothing beyond your name. You have the right to remain silent. Do not answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the US.
- Call an immigration lawyer immediately. If you are detained, you have the right to call an attorney. Keep a lawyer's phone number written down — not just saved in a phone that may be taken.
- Know your deadlines. If a removal order (deportation order) is issued, you have 30 days to appeal it to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). A motion to reopen your case must be filed within 90 days of a final order. Missing these windows can end your options.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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If ICE arrests you, do not sign any documents — especially a "voluntary departure" agreement — without speaking to an attorney first. Signing can waive your right to a hearing and lock in a bar on reentry. You have the right to a removal hearing before an immigration judge, and in many cases you may be eligible for bond. Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible after any ICE encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE enter my home without a warrant?
No. ICE agents cannot enter your home without your consent or a judicial warrant — one signed by a judge. An administrative ICE warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) is not enough. You can refuse to open the door and ask them to show a judicial warrant through the window or slide it under the door.
What is an ICE detainer and can a local jail ignore it?
An ICE detainer is a written request asking a local jail to hold someone for up to 48 extra hours so ICE can take custody. In states or cities with sanctuary policies — like Connecticut under the TRUST Act — local officials may refuse these requests. However, ICE can still arrest people after they are released from local custody.
I have a pending green card or asylum case. Am I at risk?
Having a pending application does not automatically protect you from arrest if ICE believes you are removable. If you have any past arrests or immigration violations, talk to an immigration lawyer about your specific situation. Do not assume a pending case means you are safe from enforcement.
What deadlines apply if I get a removal order?
You have 30 days from the date of a removal order to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). You have 90 days to file a motion to reopen your case. Both deadlines are strict — missing them can permanently end your ability to fight deportation in immigration court.