Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a new wave of enforcement operations in Connecticut. Over a four-day period, 65 individuals were arrested as part of an ICE-led crackdown called Operation Broken Trust. While federal officials claim this operation focused on “public safety,” the reality is that many of those swept up had no recent criminal convictions and were living quietly with family and jobs.
As trusted immigration lawyers who have practiced immigration law in Connecticut for over twenty years, we want to speak plainly to those in our communities who are scared or unsure right now.
Connecticut has always been a place where immigrant families contribute, work hard, and build lives. The Trust Act was passed to make sure local police aren’t acting as federal immigration agents. That law has been in place since 2013, and it was expanded in 2019 and again in 2025 to give even more protections. It limits how and when local officers can cooperate with ICE. But with this new push from the federal government, even states like ours are being targeted.
We want you to know this: Just because ICE is active in Connecticut doesn’t mean your rights disappear. And just because you’re undocumented doesn’t mean you’re without options. At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we’ve helped thousands of families across Waterbury, Hartford, Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Danbury understand where they stand legally and how to protect what matters most.
If you or someone you love is facing immigration enforcement, don’t wait. We’re here to help. Call our office today at (203) 753-7300 or visit welcomelawfirm.com to schedule a confidential consultation.
What Happened During Operation Broken Trust?
From August 12 to 15, ICE’s Boston office coordinated with federal and local partners to arrest 65 individuals across Connecticut. According to their press release, 29 of those arrested had criminal convictions ranging from drug offenses to violent crimes. The rest were flagged for prior immigration violations, entry without inspection, or outstanding removal orders.
The operation took place across multiple cities and towns like Danbury, Stamford, and Norwalk. ICE described these actions as necessary to remove “dangerous illegal aliens.” But the agency provided no data on how many of the individuals were detained inside homes, at courthouses, or as part of collateral arrests involving individuals with no criminal record.
Targeted or Sweeping?
ICE claims its operations are targeted, but our firm’s experience tells a different story. Collateral arrests are common. If agents are looking for one person but encounter others with immigration issues, they often detain them too. These sweeps can tear families apart in an instant.
Connecticut’s Trust Act: What It Does and Doesn’t Do
The Connecticut Trust Act, originally passed in 2013, was a landmark law that prohibited local police from detaining individuals solely based on ICE detainers unless specific conditions were met. In 2019, the law was strengthened to:
- Prevent local officers from honoring ICE requests unless accompanied by a judicial warrant
- Restrict communication between law enforcement and ICE
- Expand the list of offenses that disqualified individuals from local cooperation
2025 Amendments: Even Stronger Protections
In response to growing concerns, the state legislature passed new amendments to the Trust Act in 2025. These changes:
- Allow residents to file civil lawsuits against municipal police departments that violate the law
- Expand the list of offenses that must be reviewed before any ICE cooperation
- Reaffirm that no person should be held beyond their release time based solely on immigration status
However, the law does not stop federal ICE agents from entering courthouses, executing federal warrants, or conducting street operations. And it does not apply to state or local officers who are deputized under ICE’s 287(g) program, though Connecticut has not joined that initiative to date.
Legal Rights During ICE Encounters
Immigrants in Connecticut and across the U.S. must be aware of their rights when approached by ICE. Whether you’re at home, work, or in public, your legal protections don’t disappear just because of your immigration status. At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we want you to be prepared and not panicked.
1. You Have the Right to Remain Silent
You are not obligated to speak to ICE officers or provide information about your immigration status, birthplace, or how you entered the country. If approached, clearly state: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.” Do not lie or provide false documents. Remaining silent is not an admission of guilt, it is a constitutional right protected under the Fifth Amendment.
2. You Do Not Have to Open the Door Without a Judicial Warrant
If ICE comes to your home, you are not required to open the door unless agents present a judicial warrant signed by a judge. ICE often arrives with administrative warrants (Form I-200 or I-205), these do not grant the legal right to enter your home. Politely ask them to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window. If it is not signed by a judge, you may legally refuse entry.
Remember: Opening the door voluntarily may be interpreted as consent, even if they don’t have a valid warrant.
3. You Have the Right to Refuse to Sign Anything
Do not sign any ICE documents without speaking to an immigration attorney. ICE may present you with a voluntary departure order or other documents that waive your rights, even before you’ve seen a judge. Signing such documents can result in immediate removal or bar you from legal remedies in the future. If pressured, calmly say: “I will not sign anything without speaking to my attorney.”
4. You Have the Right to Document the Encounter
If it is safe to do so, record the interaction on your phone, take pictures, or write down important details. This includes:
- Names and badge numbers of the ICE agents
- The time, date, and location of the encounter
- Whether they showed a warrant
- What they said or asked
These records may become useful evidence if your rights were violated or if legal challenges arise.
5. You Have the Right to Contact an Attorney Immediately
You have the right to call your lawyer if you are detained. If you are arrested, do not answer questions until your attorney is present. Call your family and have them contact your legal team as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we are available to help protect you or your loved ones in emergency situations involving ICE. We serve clients throughout Connecticut and nationwide and speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
6. You Have the Right to a Hearing
You cannot be deported without due process unless you waive that right. Everyone is entitled to a hearing before an immigration judge, except in limited circumstances such as reinstated orders or expedited removal at the border. If ICE tells you otherwise, do not panic. Call an attorney and do not waive any legal rights under pressure.
What Can an Immigration Attorney Do to Protect You from ICE?
Immigrants in Connecticut are under increasing pressure. ICE enforcement actions are rising, laws are changing, and programs like CBP Home and Operation Broken Trust are putting more families at risk. In this moment, having an experienced immigration attorney isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
An attorney can step in as your advocate from day one. That means helping you understand your legal options, whether you have a path to lawful status, whether you’re eligible for relief, or how past orders of removal might be challenged. If you’ve been arrested or placed in removal proceedings, a lawyer can intervene quickly to protect your rights, file motions, and represent you in court.
Attorneys also play a vital role in making sure ICE and other agencies follow the law. Without legal counsel, you may be pressured to sign documents, waive your rights, or agree to leave the country without understanding the consequences. In contrast, an attorney will help you make decisions based on the facts, not fear.
At a time when the law is shifting and enforcement is expanding, facing immigration issues alone is risky. Every case is unique. Don’t guess your way through the system. Get trusted legal help to protect your future. If you or someone you know is at risk, contact The Law Offices of James A. Welcome today to speak with an immigration attorney who understands how to protect your interests and your family.
What to Do If You Are Detained
If you or someone you know is detained by ICE in Connecticut, follow these steps immediately:
- Call an Immigration Attorney: Contact The Law Offices of James A. Welcome at (203) 753-7300. We can assess legal options including bond, cancellation of removal, or asylum protection.
- Request a Bond Hearing: You may be eligible for release on bond. ICE doesn’t have the final say. Ask the immigration judge for a hearing.
- Avoid Signing Deportation Papers: Some people sign forms thinking they’ll be released quickly. This often results in expedited removal.
- Gather Documents: Have family collect IDs, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and any immigration paperwork that shows eligibility for relief.
- Know Your A-NUMBER: This 9-digit immigration file number will help attorneys locate your case.
Your Rights Under the Constitution
Even undocumented immigrants in the U.S. have constitutional protections. These include:
- Fourth Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
- Fifth Amendment: Right to remain silent and protection against self-incrimination
- Sixth Amendment: Right to an attorney in criminal proceedings
- Fourteenth Amendment: Equal protection under the law
While immigration is a civil process, constitutional protections still apply in many interactions with ICE.
Common Questions About ICE Operations and Your Rights
Q: I heard ICE arrested people in Connecticut recently. Can they come to my house?
Yes. ICE agents may attempt to enter your home, but they cannot do so without a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. If they show up at your door, ask them to slip the warrant under the door or show it through a window before opening. If it’s not signed by a judge, you have the right to refuse entry.
Q: Does the Connecticut TRUST Act mean I’m safe from ICE?
Not entirely. The TRUST Act restricts local police cooperation with ICE, but it does not stop ICE from operating independently. ICE can still arrest individuals at courthouses, homes, or workplaces without involving local police.
Q: Can ICE detain me for a minor offense?
Yes, they can. ICE has wide discretion, and even if local police don’t notify ICE, the agency may act on its own information. Even minor charges can put you on ICE’s radar, especially if you’ve had past immigration violations.
Q: What should I do if ICE detains a family member?
Call an immigration attorney immediately. Do not sign any paperwork or agree to voluntary departure without legal advice. Your loved one may have legal options, including cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status.
Q: I’m undocumented but have a clean record. Should I self-deport through CBP Home?
No, not without consulting an attorney. Programs like CBP Home may sound generous, but they can permanently impact your legal future. You could lose eligibility for relief, trigger reentry bars, or make your family more vulnerable.
Don’t Act Out of Fear. Your Rights Deserve Protection.
As an immigration law firm who has stood with Connecticut’s immigrant community for over 20 years, we understand the pressure many families are feeling. Recent federal initiatives are encouraging undocumented immigrants to take actions that may seem voluntary, but often come from a place of fear or misinformation.
If you are undocumented, you may feel like you have no choice. But you do. And your decisions today can affect your legal future, your ability to remain with your family, and your path to lawful status. Many people are eligible for relief and don’t even know it. Others have lived in the U.S. for years, built families, paid taxes, and contributed to their communities, but haven’t had access to accurate legal advice. Before you take any steps or sign any government paperwork, talk to a qualified immigration attorney.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we are committed to helping you understand your rights, protect your future, and keep your family together. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call (203) 753-7300 or visit welcomelawfirm.com to schedule a confidential consultation. We serve clients across Connecticut and speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
