Home Depot Silence on ICE Raids: How America’s Biggest Retailer Avoids Accountability

By Richard T. Herman, Esq., Immigration Lawyer for Over 30 Years

Home Depot has remained notably silent as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have targeted day laborers outside its stores. As the biggest home improvement chain and a home improvement giant, Home Depot wields significant influence over the construction industry, shaping labor practices and market trends. These ICE raids, carried out by federal agents, have sent shockwaves through immigrant communities and raised questions about corporate responsibility.

Despite mounting pressure from advocacy groups and affected families, the company has yet to issue a meaningful public response. According to Home Depot’s standpoint, the company states it does not hire or facilitate day laborers and has not experienced a notable sales decline due to these raids. With a huge customer base spanning homeowners, contractors, and businesses, Home Depot’s silence carries weight, potentially impacting both its reputation and the broader conversation about immigration enforcement in the United States.

Introduction — A Growing Pattern of Raids and Corporate Silence

Across the United States, reports continue to surface of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting immigration enforcement activities in or around local Home Depot parking lots—places where immigrant day laborers often gather at Home Depot’s doorstep seeking work. These immigration raids, sometimes described as suspected immigration enforcement operations, can involve intimidation, detentions, and vehicle stops, often occurring without advance notice to businesses. The company itself has remained notably silent. A Home Depot spokesperson confirmed that the company does not request ICE operations and stated that it is not notified in advance of ICE activities. Home Depot has responded to claims of complicity by emphasizing that it is not informed beforehand about ICE’s actions. However, Home Depot’s approach to recent ICE raids has drawn significant criticism from advocates for immigrant rights and community groups.

Despite widespread documentation by journalists and immigrant advocates, Home Depot has largely stayed quiet, issuing no public statement acknowledging or condemning ICE’s presence near its stores. This silence stands in stark contrast to other major corporations that have taken public positions on immigration or workplace rights.

Quick Answer:Home Depot has remained silent about ICE raids in its parking lots and near its stores, despite repeated reports of enforcement actions targeting immigrant day laborers. U.S. law allows businesses on private property to deny ICE entry without a judicial warrant, but few corporations actively assert this right.

 

What Really Happens During Immigration and Customs Enforcement Raids at Home Depot

In cities from Los Angeles to Houston, Chicago, and Atlanta, day laborers—many undocumented—have long gathered nearby Home Depot stores, along with food sellers, hoping to connect with contractors seeking temporary help. According to investigations by ProPublica and NPR, ICE has used these spaces for “knock-and-talk” operations, vehicle checkpoints, and coordinated surveillance. During these raids, agents pursue day laborers and other individuals, often leading to tense encounters. Home Depot does not have a formal relationship with day laborers, but their history runs deep. Day laborers have become a key solution for contractors in response to a chronic worker shortage in construction. However, some day laborers now feel afraid to come to Home Depot due to ongoing ICE raids. After these raids, the number of day laborers around Home Depot has diminished significantly.

Federal authorities, including immigration agents, are involved in these enforcement operations. In some cases, rental trucks and rental moving trucks are used by authorities, with immigration agents emerging unexpectedly to detain day laborers and undocumented workers outside Home Depot locations.

Workers and day laborers must always consider their own safety during these encounters, as the presence of federal authorities can create confusion and risk.

Typical Tactics Include:

• Parking-lot sweeps where ICE officers pose as employers.
• Following or stopping vehicles leaving store premises.
• Asking “consensual” questions about immigration status without cause.

Although ICE agents often claim these encounters are voluntary, the line between a casual conversation and coercion is legally blurry. When heavily armed officers block exits or question workers without clear consent, courts have found such encounters may violate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Some ICE raids at Home Depot have included the use of tear gas and the arrest of multiple individuals, including day laborers.

(Sources: ProPublica)

What Federal and Local Rules Govern ICE Raids on Private Property?

Understanding what ICE can and cannot do is essential for both business owners and immigrant workers. ICE operations fall under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), particularly Section 287(a)(1), which authorizes officers to arrest or interrogate noncitizens if they have probable cause.

However, the Fourth Amendment limits how far ICE’s authority extends, especially on private property such as store premises, warehouses, or employee-only areas. In fact, a federal appeals court issued a temporary restraining order that restricts ICE from conducting broad, warrantless enforcement actions in these settings, reinforcing the need for reasonable suspicion and judicial oversight.

References:

• The federal appeals court upheld these legal restrictions, confirming that ICE must comply with constitutional protections and court-imposed limits on enforcement actions.

When it comes to compliance, Home Depot’s company’s position is to maintain neutrality and not participate in federal raids, interpreting and applying these legal requirements to protect both its customers and workers.

Quick Answer Box — ICE’s Legal Limits

ICE cannot enter private property, such as a business or a store’s nonpublic areas, without:

• A judicial warrant signed by a federal judge or magistrate; or
• Consent from the property owner or authorized representative.

Administrative ICE warrants (Form I-200 or I-205) do not authorize entry into private spaces without permission. Under 8 C.F.R. § 287.8(f)(2), ICE agents must avoid using “unreasonable force or coercion” during encounters.

References:

• INA § 287(a)(1)
• Fourth Amendment
• DHS Policy on Enforcement Actions at Sensitive Locations

What Businesses Are Legally Allowed (and Required) to Do When ICE Arrives

When ICE agents appear at a Home Depot—or any business—managers and property owners have specific rights and obligations under federal and constitutional law. A Home Depot representative or manager should be prepared to immediately respond to ICE’s presence by following established legal procedures. Home Depot representatives are trained to follow legal protocols during such encounters to ensure compliance with the law while protecting the rights of employees and customers.

1. Request to See the Warrant

• Businesses can ask to see a warrant before allowing entry.
• Only judicial warrants (issued by a federal court) must be honored.
• Administrative warrants signed by ICE supervisors are not binding on private entities.

2. Limit Access to Public Areas

If ICE lacks a valid warrant, the business can restrict entry to nonpublic spaces such as employee-only areas, storage rooms, or offices.

3. Protect Home Depot Workers’ Information

Employers should avoid sharing employee records unless compelled by a court order or subpoena under 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(e).

4. Avoid Obstruction

While businesses can legally refuse access without a warrant, they should not physically interfere with officers. Cooperation should remain polite but limited to legal requirements.

(Resources: U.S. Department of Justice, ACLU “Know Your Rights” for Businesses)

Case Studies: How Other Companies Have Responded

• Chipotle Mexican Grill implemented internal “Know Your Rights” training for employees after ICE audits, emphasizing privacy protections.
• Amazon publicly condemned family separations and joined other tech companies in calling for immigration reform.
• Walmart, following previous ICE audits of suppliers, enhanced worker verification systems and issued public transparency statements.

Some advocates argue that it is certainly a moral obligation for companies to defend day laborers during enforcement actions, emphasizing the need for ethical responsibility and support for vulnerable workers.

In contrast, Home Depot has issued no public comment, press release, or acknowledgment of ICE’s activities near its stores—despite numerous press inquiries. During an earnings call, Home Depot executives did not address questions about immigration raids or day laborers. The company has stated that it is required to follow all federal and local rules and regulations in every market where it operates. While day laborers are not formally integrated into Home Depot’s business model, their presence outside stores is significant to local communities. Some customers hope Home Depot will take a stronger stance to protect and advocate for day laborers affected by immigration enforcement.

Why Has Home Depot Stayed Silent?

Home Depot’s corporate neutrality on immigration enforcement may be strategic—a calculated choice to avoid controversy. The company’s consumer base spans both immigrant workers and homeowners who support stricter border enforcement. The company’s perceived politics, including donations to both parties and scrutiny over founder support for political figures, have influenced public perception and customer trust.

So far Home Depot has not seen a significant impact on its sales from recent immigration raids or political issues. Home Depot’s bottom line continues to benefit from the current labor market, where the demand for quick, affordable labor remains high. Home Depot’s sales, driven by both DIY homeowners and professional contractors, have contributed to Home Depot’s success and a strong Home Depot’s stock price, which has remained robust even amid external challenges. In the previous quarter notably, sales growth exceeded expectations, with data from early August showing continued resilience. Roughly half of Home Depot’s sales come from professional contractors, underscoring the importance of this customer segment.

However, some observers claim fewer contractors are visiting stores, and there are fewer contractors overall due to concerns about enforcement actions and market changes. Economic uncertainty has led many customers to delay major projects, focusing instead on smaller tasks, which has affected sales of big-ticket items and shifted demand. The postponement of major projects has had a noticeable effect on overall sales. With same prices across stores, labor costs have become a key competitive factor, making an on-demand workforce essential.

Day laborers provide a cheap solution for contractors and homeowners, and the line loves day laborers for the mutual benefit they bring to both workers and the store. For many, the ability to make an honest living is crucial, especially as contractors and homeowners hire day laborers for quick jobs like repairs and landscaping. Day laborers often gather nearby Home Depot locations, ready to meet immediate needs. The construction industry as a whole relies on this flexible labor pool to adapt to fluctuating demand. The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has increased enforcement activities, impacting day laborers and contributing to shifts in contractor and customer behavior.

Possible Reasons for Silence:

• Brand protection: Avoiding political backlash from either side.
• Legal caution: Avoiding statements that could appear to condone or obstruct law enforcement.
• Economic motives: Maintaining reliance on immigrant labor in construction-related sales.

While neutrality may seem safe, critics argue that silence in the face of injustice is complicity—especially when ICE raids occur repeatedly in spaces that help drive Home Depot’s profits. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado has described Home Depot as complicit due to its silence on ICE raids occurring at its locations. Protests have occurred outside Home Depot locations in response to ICE raids targeting immigrant workers. Some of these protests have also memorialized individuals who died while fleeing immigration enforcement, such as a man in Monrovia, California. Protests and boycotts have been organized in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago against Home Depot due to its silence on ICE raids.

(See coverage in The New York Times and ABC News)

Media and Public Reaction: Why the Silence Persists

Unlike tech or food companies, Home Depot has rarely been the subject of sustained media pressure regarding immigration. However, Fox News Digital and the Los Angeles Times have both reported on recent ICE raids and community protests at Home Depot locations, bringing increased attention to the company’s practices. Analysts, speaking earlier, noted that these raids could potentially impact sales, but so far, the immigration spotlight has not significantly affected Home Depot’s public perception or financial performance. Newman told NPR earlier that Home Depot is committed to complying with all federal laws while supporting its diverse workforce. Few major outlets have investigated the company’s policies toward immigrant workers or ICE presence on store property.

Advocacy Group Responses

Organizations like United We Dream, National Immigration Law Center (NILC), and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) have repeatedly called on corporations to clarify their roles during ICE raids. Advocacy groups emphasize that both customers and home depot workers are directly affected by immigration enforcement actions, with raids and rumors impacting not only those seeking work or services but also store employees and overall operations.

Still, Home Depot has remained noncommittal, issuing only general statements on “diversity and inclusion” without addressing enforcement issues. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network and the League of United Latin American Citizens have called for policy changes regarding federal immigration agents accessing Home Depot properties.

Legal and Ethical Implications for Employers and Property Owners

Legal Exposure

Businesses that overstep their cooperation with ICE may risk civil rights violations, particularly if they facilitate discriminatory treatment of workers based on perceived immigration status.
Conversely, refusing entry without a warrant is constitutionally protected.

Ethical Considerations

Large retailers play an increasingly visible role in America’s immigration debate. Silence during ICE raids sends a message that corporations can profit from immigrant labor while avoiding accountability when that same labor force is targeted. Half of Home Depot’s sales are now to professional contractors who might need quick help with demolition, construction, or cleanup, further tying the company’s success to the labor provided by immigrant workers. Much of Home Depot’s success has led to the conditions that we see in the industry today for day laborers.

Compliance vs. Conscience

Balancing legal compliance and moral responsibility is challenging—but companies can adopt clear policies:

• Display Know Your Rights posters in employee areas.
• Provide staff training on handling ICE visits.
• Partner with immigrant advocacy groups for legal education.
• Issue transparent public statements reaffirming constitutional rights.

(Resources: EEOC Guidance on National Origin Discrimination, NILC Workplace Raids Toolkit)

Comparing Corporate Responses to Immigration Enforcement

This comparison underscores how Home Depot stands alone among major U.S. employers in its complete lack of public engagement on immigration enforcement, despite being at the epicenter of repeated ICE encounters. Notable incidents at Eagle Rock Plaza, Westlake Home Depot, and Los Angeles Home Depot, as well as in Illinois Chicago, highlight how these locations have been directly affected by immigration raids, drawing community concern and criticism over the absence of a clear corporate response.

ICE Authority vs. Private Property Rights (Visual Summary)

The Broader Question — What Kind of America Do Businesses Want to Represent?

Corporate silence carries moral weight. When a company of Home Depot’s stature remains neutral amid visible ICE activity targeting immigrants, it shapes public perception of what corporate citizenship means in modern America.

“Every time a company turns away from injustice, it sends a message louder than any press release.” — Richard T. Herman, Esq.

By choosing silence, Home Depot has, perhaps inadvertently, aligned with inaction—leaving immigrant workers vulnerable while shielding itself from controversy.

Key Takeaways

• ICE cannot legally enter private business property without a judicial warrant or owner consent.
• Home Depot has remained silent despite multiple ICE raids near its stores.
• Businesses have the right to refuse access to ICE agents with administrative warrants.
• Other corporations (Chipotle, Amazon, Walmart) have issued statements affirming worker protections; Home Depot has not.
• Silence carries reputational and ethical consequences, especially for a company relying on immigrant labor markets.
• Employers should train staff, post Know Your Rights materials, and maintain transparency.
• Public accountability matters as much as legal compliance in defining a company’s values.

Author Bio / Profile

Richard T. Herman, Esq. is an immigration attorney with over 30 years of experience and founder of the Herman Legal Group. He co-authoredImmigrant, Inc., exploring how immigrant innovation fuels the U.S. economy.
Connect with Richard through his bio page or book a consultation.