Job dedication is admirable, but it shouldn’t lead to potential jail time. A Sacramento security guard may be facing this dilemma after his boss instructed him to “physically stop ICE agents from entering [the] site.” The guard, who provides surveillance for an English-teaching school for immigrants, was told by his supervisor to challenge any ICE agents attempting to enter and to not let them in under any circumstances.
“Can he tell me to do that?” the puzzled and slightly scared security guard asked. “I’ve only been a guard 3 months and didn’t really get too much training when I was hired,” he nervously explained. He fears the consequences of obstructing an ICE arrest: “I don’t wanna do the wrong thing and end up detained myself let alone lose my license.” Furthermore, he’s unarmed and the only security presence on site. Considering ICE agents work in groups, any physical confrontation would be ill-advised.
Boss wants me to physically stop ICE agents from entering site
Commenters on the security guard’s Reddit post agreed that verbally questioning ICE’s request and denying entry without a warrant is acceptable. However, one user warned, “Obviously, it would be very unwise to try to physically stop them though. The truth is they will likely do what they want to anyway,” a sentiment reflecting the common perception of ICE agents’ determination to meet quotas.
“OP, you seem to be in the right mindset to just let them do what they will,” one user said, praising the guard’s caution. They added, “Do NOT get involved physically or even remotely physically with a thumb.” Even without a conviction, dealing with potential criminal charges from ICE could be a costly and stressful ordeal.
One person described how agents might try to “bamboozle their way in” by confusing individuals or overwhelming them to elicit a “verbal agreement to enter.” While ICE doesn’t always present warrants during arrests, requesting one is within one’s rights. The commenter concluded, “Your boss is a f***ing idiot.”
Hopefully, the security guard can avoid physical altercations with ICE for his own safety. Seeking a new employer who values employee well-being might be beneficial. about the well-being of the employees might also be a solid idea.
