The Department of Homeland Security issued guidance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, authorizing them to use a narrower arrest warrant to enter homes and detain illegal immigrants, according to a government memorandum. 

Last year, agents were told they could use a simple administrative warrant to carry out such operations, rather than relying on an arrest warrant signed by a judge. Federal personnel can use the administrative warrant to execute an arrest if they have a final removal order for the illegal immigrant from an immigration judge or appeals board, according to the memo, which was obtained this week by the Associated Press after ICE Director Todd Lyons sent it to personnel in May 2025.