Lawsuit Challenges ICE Policy Allowing Home Entries Without Judicial Warrants

The Greater Boston Latino Network and Brazilian Worker Center filed a federal lawsuit on January 30, 2026, to block a policy allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to enter private homes without a signed judicial warrant. The legal challenge, supported by the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, argues that the policy violates the Fourth Amendment and the Administrative Procedures Act.

According to a leaked memo issued on May 12 by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, agents may use administrative warrants (Form I-205) issued by Department of Homeland Security officials rather than judges. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that individuals targeted by these warrants have already received due process and final removal orders. ICE has further justified the policy by citing the War Powers Act of 1973 and the need to combat gang activity.

Legal critics, including attorney Mike Bryant, argue the policy ignores constitutional protections and wrongly asserts that such rights do not apply to illegal aliens. The plaintiffs are seeking an immediate injunction, noting the urgency as Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Haitians expires on February 3. Separately, Todd Lyons was summoned to a federal court in Minneapolis on January 30 to address potential contempt of court charges, where the home entry policy was expected to be discussed.