Roseville SMBs and Immigration Enforcement

ICE agents are not police officers. However, they may wear uniforms that say “police” or “federal agent.” ICE agents may be armed.

Roseville Police Department Policy requires officers to clearly display on their uniforms that they are with the Roseville Police Department and their name. Roseville police officers will always identify themselves as Roseville police officers if asked.

ICE can enter any public space without a warrant, but cannot enter any private spaces without one.

• A public space may include a lobby, a dining area, or a waiting room.
• A private space may include a treatment room in a medical facility, an employee breakroom, or any space where it would be unreasonable for customers to go.

Employers can take action by identifying all public and private spaces within their buildings and clearly labelling them.

Remain calm if ICE agents arrive at your business and follow these steps:

• Designate a company representative to speak with ICE. This is usually the owner, the HR or legal team, or the on-site manager. This person should know their role before ICE arrives. 
• Ask the ICE agents to provide identification and note their names. Save this information for your records. 
• Learn what the agents want. Confirm whether they have any warrants to access your private space or need to meet with specific employees. 
• Ask the agents to wait while you speak with an attorney. Some agents may schedule appointments to return.

Do not interfere physically with ICE agents. Do not try to deny them access to public spaces. 

Start planning for an ICE visit before agents arrive at your place of business. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Train team members not to talk to ICE. Employees should defer to the designated representative and refrain from speaking to agents. 
• Create a written ICE response. Be clear about your policies regarding ICE agents and how employees should react. 
• Run drills. Just like a fire drill, practice responding to ICE agents, so your employees know how to react.

Planning and clear communication also show your team that you are prepared in case ICE agents arrive. 

Train your employees to stay silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Your employees do not have to hand over identification or paperwork to ICE agents.

If an ICE agent arrests an employee, ask where they are being taken. Notify the employee’s emergency contact immediately. 

Just because ICE can access public areas does not mean agents can arrest anyone. ICE agents still need to arrive with proper warrants and probable cause before detaining individuals.

Businesses can keep I-9 forms on file for each employee to prove they are allowed to work in the United States. Keep copies of these documents so you do not hand over the originals. You may ask that an attorney be present when handing over employee paperwork. 

Yes. Employees who earn ESST (Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time) can use these hours when available. Safe time refers to employees who are escaping abuse, stalking, or potential assault. Employers cannot request documentation until the employee has used at least two days of ESST.

Employers cannot force employees to use ESST. Employees cannot use ESST if they don’t have any hours available. 

Yes. The Minnesota Political Activities Protection Act protects employees if they engage in political activity. Employers cannot terminate employment or retaliate against employees for their political activity outside the workplace.

Your employees are allowed to have political beliefs as long as they do not represent the company when expressing them. 

There are financial support options if you close your business because it is not safe to operate due to protests and civil unrest. The Economic Response Fund is a useful place to start when researching grants to help Minneapolis businesses.

Also, check your business insurance policy. You may be covered in the event of protests.