BD&J California ICE Injury Attorneys Discuss ICE Presence in California this October

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are alleged to be conducting a 45-day sweep operation across multiple California regions, including San Diego County and San Joaquin Valley in Central California. With hundreds of workers, family members, and loved ones being detained, arrested, and transported from one detention center to the next, fear and anxiety are overwhelming communities.  

Knowing where ICE agents are concentrated in throughout California can help residents and the people they love prepare for possible interactions. BD&J California ICE injury attorneys explain the areas where ICE agents have been spotted most often, and what you can do if you’ve been hurt by a federal agent.  

BD&J ICE injury attorneys are here to help in the aftermath of serious injury from ICE agent misconduct.  

California Areas with Strong ICE Presence This Month 

In the first week of October, ICE activity surged throughout California, with detainments and protests erupting in the targeted cities.  

A few of the most recent cities, neighborhoods, and counties to be hit with an uprise in ICE activity includes:  

Fresno County 

• Fresno, where an incident of ICE injury occurred between a 72-year-old resident and an off-duty ICE agent who was found intoxicated and sleeping in his family’s front lawn. 

• Mendota 

• Kerman 

• Dinuba 

• Huron 

• Turlock 

Madera County 

• Madera 

• Chowchilla 

Contra Costa County 

• Richmond 

Alameda County 

San Francisco County 

San Luis Obispo County 

Santa Barbara County  

Ventura County 

Los Angeles County 

• Long Beach, where a former city employee suffered brutality and a broken arm at the hands of ICE agents during a neighborhood ICE interaction  

Riverside County 

San Diego County  

• San Diego, especially the City Heights and Mira Mesa neighborhoods 

• Encinitas 

• San Marcos 

• Escondido 

• El Cajon 

This is said to be a target operation by ICE called “Operation Safe California”, but there has been no official confirmation or denial on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security or ICE.  

California ICE Arrest Stats Have Grown Exponentially in the Last Year 

California officially became a sanctuary state in January 2018 with the signing of Senate Bill 54, also known as The California Values Act. This act limits the role of state and local law agencies when it comes to detaining, questioning, investigating, or committing other tasks in the name of immigration enforcement.  

However, in the last few years, California has seen a lot of federal immigration enforcement activity, especially under the current administration. The data shows us:  

• Almost 15,000 of people arrested by ICE across a 7-county region in Southern California in 2025 and 2026 were eventually deported (Deportation Data Project) 

• During this same time span, the number of noncitizens arrested with no criminal convictions increased by over 3,400% (Deportation Data Project) 

• While Texas is the state with the most ICE detainees, California comes in 3^rd with over 6,410 according to July 2026 data (TRAC Reports) 

• Nationwide, there were 43,138 people arrested and booked into detention by ICE in June 2026 (TRAC Reports) 

What Do I Do if I’m Stopped by ICE?  

If you’re stopped by ICE while on the street, whether outside a store or even your own home, don’t let your emotions freeze you.  

Do the following: 

1. Do not run.  

2. Remain calm and ask if you are under arrest or detained. 

3. If you aren’t formally under arrest or detained, ask if you are free to leave. 

4. If the agent says yes, then leave. If the agent says no, then remain where you are.  

5. If the ICE agent begins to ask you questions about where you are from or asks for citizenship documents, you have the right to remain silent and can say ‘I choose to remain silent’.  

6. You can also refuse a search if the agent does not have a warrant or probable cause, but they may still pat you down for any weapons.  

7. Do not sign any paperwork an agent presents to you.  

8. If your rights have been violated through an unlawful search and seizure, deprivations of liberty, or use of excessive force, note as much as you can and talk to witnesses while getting the information of the agent as well.  

Can an ICE Agent Pull Me Over on the Road?  

While you are required to pull over for all law enforcement agencies, including federal agents, you cannot be searched without probable cause, your consent, or a judicial warrant.  

The same matter goes for a search. Legally, ICE agents are not permitted to search you or your vehicle without your consent, probable cause, or a judicial warrant. You can verbally express non-consent as well by saying, “I do not consent to this search.”  

How To Create an ICE Safety Plan 

Creating an ICE safety plan can help you and loved ones be prepared in the event of an interaction with ICE agents. The following steps can help you form your plan:  

1. Keep all your important documents in one place. – This can make it easier for yourself and other loved ones to find documents after an ICE arrest, including birth certificates, immigration documents, and other essential documentation.  

2. Memorize key phone numbers. – If your phone is taken away during detainment, having a family member and your attorney’s phone number memorized can help you reach the help you need.  

3. Prepare for your children and other dependents’ care. – Have a trusted emergency contact prepared that can pick up your child and other dependents from school in the case of your detainment by ICE and also provide written authorization for this contact to make medical and financial decisions on behalf of your child.  

4. Speak to a California ICE injury attorney. – If you suffered injuries at the hands of an ICE agent or multiple agents while being stopped, detained, or in detention, speak to a BD&J ICE brutality lawyer in California to discuss your legal rights.  

What if My Family Member is Detained by ICE?  

If your family member is detained by ICE, see if you can locate their whereabouts through ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System. 

Once located, contact the detention center to set up a call or visit with your family member. After learning about your family member’s whereabouts and that they’re ok, speak with an attorney to learn about next steps.   

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who Can I Sue When I’m Injured by an ICE Agent?  

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act, you can sue the United States government for civil wrongs committed by federal agents. You may also be able to sue a private detention center if your injuries were brought on by an agent while detained there.  

Can I Sue Individual Agents in California?  

Under SB 747, also known as the No Kings Act, California residents can sue ICE, Border Patrol, and other federal officers for violations of constitutional violations, which overrides qualified immunity and other legal loopholes. This act came into effect immediately on Septer 29^th, 2026 and applies to any incident after March 1^st, 2025. 

What Kind of Injuries Could I Present in a Lawsuit?  

Common injuries from ICE injuries may include brain injuries, broken bones, lacerations, other catastrophic injuries, and soft tissue damages. 

Can I Be Detained by ICE Without a Warrant?  

Yes, ICE agents can detain you and question you without a warrant if they have reasonable cause. However, you also have the right to remain silent and express non-consent.  

What Are My Rights When It Comes to ICE Agent Interactions?  

Your rights when questioned by ICE agents include the right to remain silent and only stating you will speak to an attorney. You have the right to ask for a signed judicial warrant when ICE agents are outside your door, and you also have the right to refuse entry and hide if the agents can’t produce this warrant. 

Do I Have to Disclose My Immigration Status When Filing a Claim?  

To your attorney, yes, but this is protected through attorney-client privilege. You do not have to disclose your immigration status when filing an injury claim.  

Can ICE Enter My Home?  

ICE agents can only enter your home when they have a warrant signed by a federal or state judge that lists your full name and address, or your own consent.  

Do Documents Signed by ICE Agents Permit Them to Enter My Home?  

No. A judicial warrant signed by a judge would be the only document with which an ICE agent could enter your home.  

What Compensation Could Be Recovered in an ICE Injury Lawsuit? 

Some of the compensation recovered in an ICE injury lawsuit can include current and future medical expenses, lost income while in recovery, property damages, pain and suffering, and emotional and psychological trauma.  

Do I Have to Pay Upfront to Work with BD&J? 

Not at all. We at BD&J work to fight on behalf of clients under a contingency fee basis, so they’re not forced to deal with the strain of having to pay legal fees upfront.  

How Do Contingency Fees Work?  

Under a contingency fee basis, all case costs are advanced to you to get your claim started. Final attorney fees are deducted from the settlement amount after your case is resolved, which means no fees until we win*.  

California ICE Injury Attorneys Protecting Victims of ICE Agents’ Abuse of Power 

With an uptick of ICE activity across the state, families and other communities are being ravaged by unforeseen arrests, secretive tactics, and incidents of constitutional violations. When you’re injured by an ICE agent while being questioned, detained, or in detention, you have the right to hold federal agencies accountable.  

BD&J has been fighting for injured Californians for decades since our establishment in 2007. With more than $3 billion* recovered in compensation, you can be confident your case and loved ones are in the right hands.  

Call BD&J now at 855-906-3699 to schedule your free initial consultation with an attorney!