Immigration officers raided the wrong apartment in Buffalo. What could possibly go wrong if ICE agents gain entry into the wrong house? A mistake such as this could have grave consequences for every resident in Buffalo. If ICE agents are not triple or even quadruple-checking to make sure they have the correct addresses, they could end up in any of our homes.

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A Cheektowaga woman says ICE agents busted into her apartment while she and her infant were at home. The agents allegedly searched the apartment room by room without getting any information. The Homeland Security agents had the wrong address at the Garden Village Apartments, located at 70 Garden Village Dr, Buffalo, NY 14227.

Jennifer Haynesworth and her child were at their home when someone knocked on her door saying they were the police. She allowed the agents into her home but said they barged in the door and broke some of her items. Jennifer asked the agents who they were looking for but they refused to provide her with any information. She said the agents should have easily been able to see clues that they were at the wrong apartment, including her name on her mailbox near the door, according to her interview with WGRZ. Jennifer wrote on her Facebook page,

"Homeland security!!!!!! Wow today shook me !!!!!! 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 Thank god He covered me and my baby and allowed me to keep it coo because this could of been bad."

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It is crazy that they are doing this to citizens. A simple mistake on the part of ICE agents could be deadly for an American citizen. I truly hope that ICE agents are doing a better job ensuring they have the correct information and address. I would have never opened the door for them. I know a lot of people who support mass deportations have been celebrating ICE's ramped-up efforts, but it is never OK for agents to violate the rights of American citizens. If it happened to Jennifer, it could happen to any of us.

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What Are Your Rights If ICE Comes To Your Home

According to NY Congressman Dan Goldman's website,

"The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects everyone from unreasonable search and seizure. ICE needs a valid warrant signed by a judge to enter your home or search your belongings. You do not have to open the door until you see one. If they are in your home without a warrant, you can ask them to leave and tell them that you do not consent to a search of your home."

You also have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions ICE agents may ask you. An ICE warrant (Form 1-200) does not give agents the right to enter and search your home. They must present a criminal warrant signed by a judge, according to the ACLU of Virginia. You can find more information about your rights when it comes to ICE agents here.

***This article is not intended to provide legal advice or counsel

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