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Why This Matters

As nanny employers, we have an important role to play in ensuring our homes are safe and fair workplaces, especially in this moment where immigrants are under attack by a cruel and widespread deportation agenda. As the current administration escalates its tactics— including targeting people regardless of immigration status— it is essential that domestic employers have an emergency plan in place in the event that a worker we employ is targeted by ICE. This plan should center the safety, dignity, and humanity of the nanny, while also protecting the security and well-being of our children.

This guide will help you:

  • Prepare responsibly and compassionately. Help think through scenarios and ways to keep both the nanny you employ and the children safe.
  • Support your nanny’s legal rights and security.
  • Show up in solidarity with immigrant communities.
  • Join a national network of domestic employers committed to fair employment practices.

Step 1: Build Trust and Start the Conversation

  • Establish a Supportive Dialogue: Many immigrant nannies are fearful at this moment, so approach the conversation from a place of support. If you haven’t yet talked about what is happening around immigration, a conversation starter might look like: 
    • “I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, and we’re so grateful for the care you provide for our child. Your safety is deeply important to us, and I know that many people are feeling scared after the ICE raids in Los Angeles. I want to open discussion about this, so we can take precautions to keep you safe, as well as be clear about a plan in case of emergencies. 
  • Don’t Inquire About Immigration Status: If you do not know the nanny’s immigration status, don’t ask. 
    • You might say, “We haven’t had a discussion about immigration status and I’m not asking you to share that information if you are not comfortable doing so. My goal is to be supportive to keep you safe at this moment. If you feel comfortable, I would like to co-create a plan with you that centers on safety and support.”
  • Offer Paid Leave. In areas of the country where ICE raids are escalating, many immigrants are afraid to come to work. If you live in one of these areas, or if your nanny has already expressed concerns, we recommend you immediately offer paid leave so the nanny can stay at home. When doing so, let them know that their job is not at risk. 

Step 2: Make Sure the Nanny Knows Their Rights 

Knowing our rights is one of the most powerful tools we have. It is critical that everyone in your home, including your nanny, understands their rights under the law.

Key Rights to Know:

  • You have the right to remain silent. The nanny is not required to answer any questions about who they are, where they were born, or their immigration status.
  • You do not have to open the door unless ICE presents a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
  • You can ask to see the warrant. The warrant must be signed by a judge and say “U.S. District Court” or “State Court” at the top. Request that the warrant be slipped under the door or shown through a window.
  • You have the right to contact a lawyer. Do not sign anything, or provide information without legal advice.
  • Remain calm. Do not run. Politely but firmly state your rights and ask to speak to a lawyer.

👉 Know Your Rights Resources:

Action Steps:

  • Watch a Know Your Rights training together. Check out the Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Know your Rights video training in English or Spanish. 
  • Download and Share the ILRC Know Your Rights When Confronted by ICE flyer or red cards, which you and the worker in your home can carry in your pocket.
  • Practice emergency scenarios. Role-play what to do if ICE arrives at your home. 

Step 3: Know Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities as a Domestic Employer

  • You are not obligated and should never share any information about your nanny or any other workers in your home with ICE.
  • You are not required to let ICE into your home or onto your private property without a warrant signed by a judge. 
  • You have the right to ask to see a warrant, if it’s not provided. An administrative ICE warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does not require you to let ICE into your home. Only a warrant that has been signed by a judge must be honored. You should keep the door locked, and ask to have the warrant slipped under the door.
  • In many states, including New York and California, there are explicit laws prohibiting employers from retaliating against their employees by calling ICE or threatening to report them to immigration.

Step 4: Create an Emergency Action Plan for Your Home Together

Discuss and agree on steps to stay safe:

  • If at all possible for you, especially if you are in Los Angeles or another location being targeted for ICE raids, offer them additional paid leave so they can shelter in place at home. Make it clear that this does not mean that their job is at risk.
  • Create a transportation plan so the nanny can get to and from work safely. This could include offering rides or paying for a rideshare service.
  • Think creatively to rework routines to reduce the time when the nanny is in public, for example:
    • Arrange for someone else to pick up children from school or daycare
    • Get groceries delivered
    • Arrange backyard playdates instead of going to parks and the playground
  • Make sure the nanny knows they shouldn’t open the door to ICE or anyone they don’t know.
  • Make sure emergency contact numbers are up to date for both you and the nanny. Ideally these numbers should be memorized.
  • Identify friends, family, or other childcare providers who can offer back-up childcare if needed in the event the nanny is targeted by ICE.
  • Prepare written emergency authorization for backup providers if school or daycare pickups are part of their routine.
  • Offer support identifying legal representatives and community advocates.
  • Have red cards handy for the nanny to have at all times. You can print out a stack and leave them by the door.

Step 5: Offer Concrete Resources to the Nanny You Employ

Step 6: Provide Ongoing Support

  • Offer emotional support, flexibility, and paid time off for your nanny to attend legal appointments or Know Your Rights training.
  • If possible, support legal defense funds or contribute to bond funds.
  • Stay connected to advocacy efforts in your local area to protect immigrant workers and fight unjust immigration policy.

📄 Sample Emergency Contact Sheet

Name

Relationship

 Phone

Notes
[Person 1]

Emergency Contact

[Phone]

Speaks Spanish
[Person 2]

Immigration Attorney

[Phone]

Available for emergencies

[Person 3]

Backup Caregiver

[Phone]

   Available after school and for emergency pickups

 

✊ Final Note from Hand in Hand

At Hand in Hand, we believe that planning for this possibility is an act of solidarity and love. It shows care for the person who helps care for your children and a commitment to building homes and communities where no family lives in fear.

By taking these steps, you are standing with your nanny, supporting immigrant families, and becoming part of a movement for dignity and justice for all care workers.

👉 Need Support? Contact Hand in Hand:
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://domesticemployers.org

We’re here for you every step of the way.

 

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