There is a lot of fear right now out there with raids, increased arrests and detention, making a tougher climate for border crossers and immigrants in general under President Trump.
The short answer: ICE is not broadly targeting green card holders for arrests, but if you’re a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you’re not entirely in the clear.
Table of Contents
Current ICE Policy on Green Card Holders
Green card holders, as lawful permanent residents, have the right to live and work in the U.S., but that status doesn’t make you immune to deportation. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), LPRs can be arrested and placed in removal proceedings if they commit certain crimes, like aggravated felonies (e.g., murder, drug trafficking, or certain violent offenses among other enumerated acts) or crimes involving moral turpitude (e.g., fraud or theft with intent to harm).
In addition, the Laken Riley Act of 2025 mandates detention for undocumented immigrants arrested for crimes like theft or assault, but these don’t directly target LPRs.
That said, if you’re a green card holder with a criminal record -even a minor one- ICE can still come knocking. AND THIS IS NOT A NEW THING or a “TRUMP” THING.
In 2025, ICE’s focus is primarily on undocumented immigrants, especially those who can’t prove two years of continuous U.S. presence under the expanded expedited removal policy (effective January 21, 2025) or those who entered under Biden-era programs like the CHNV parole. However, we’ve seen cases where green card holders get caught up in enforcement actions, particularly during:
- Workplace or Community Raids: ICE’s “Operation At Large,” which aims to detain 3,000 migrants daily with over 5,000 federal agents and 21,000 National Guard troops, has led to broad sweeps. If you’re in a workplace or community targeted for raids, ICE may detain you to verify your status, even if you have a green card. Always carry your green card and other proof of status to avoid delays or mistakes.
- Courthouse Arrests: ICE has been arresting people at courthouses. If you’re an LPR attending criminal court, there’s a risk of being questioned or detained, especially if you have a criminal history.
- Local Law Enforcement Cooperation: With 287(g) agreements rising, local police are more involved in immigration enforcement. A routine traffic stop could lead to ICE being notified if there’s any question about your status or criminal record.
What are the real risks for Green Card holders?
While ICE isn’t systematically targeting LPRs, certain situations put you at risk:
- Criminal Convictions: Even minor convictions, like a misdemeanor for shoplifting or DUI, can trigger ICE scrutiny. The January 2025 ICE memo stating that crime victim status no longer affects deportation decisions also signals less leniency for LPRs with convictions.
- Travel Abroad: Returning to the U.S. after international travel can lead to CBP scrutiny at ports of entry. If you have a past conviction or an unresolved immigration issue, you could be detained and referred to ICE.
- Mistaken Identity or Errors: We’ve seen cases where LPRs are mistakenly detained due to database errors or confusion with undocumented individuals. The removal of sensitive location protections (e.g., schools, churches) in 2025 means ICE can arrest anywhere, increasing the chance of errors.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
At Harlan York & Associates, we’re fighting every day to keep our clients safe. If you’re a green card holder, here’s my advice:
- Carry Your Green Card: Always have your green card and a secondary ID (like a driver’s license) with you. It’s your best proof of lawful status.
- Know Your Rights: If ICE or local police question you, stay calm and don’t answer questions about your immigration history without a lawyer.
- Review Your Record: If you have any criminal history, even minor, consult with us to assess your risk of deportation. We can advise regarding potential solutions or to calm folks who may be afraid for no real reason.
- Avoid Risky Situations: In addition to the aforementioned presence of ICE at courthouses, airports and areas near land borders are always “hot zones.”
- Plan Ahead: Keep copies of your green card, passport, and U.S.-based records (like leases or tax returns) in a safe place. Share our contact info with family in case you’re detained.
If you’re a green card holder worried about ICE, don’t let fear take over. Our team at Harlan York & Associates has the experience to protect your status and fight any deportation threats. Call us today to review your case and build a plan to keep you and your family safe.
