Chattanooga residents report increased ICE activity after video shows agents at work site

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — People in one Chattanooga community are reporting increased presence and activity of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

We have video of what appears to be a search by ICE at a sub-division development.

This video posted to social media shows someone confronting two agents in an unfinished house:

The agents identified themselves as ICE before walking to a vehicle and driving away.

Now, we're asking an immigration attorney what federal agents need before walking onto a construction site.

"Do y'all have a warrant to enter this residence? We're working with them."

In a video posted to Facebook, you can see the moments where men with badges come to a construction sight off of East Brainerd Road.

"Do they have a warrant? Yeah they had a warrant. Can I see it? We don't have it in our hands."

The man recording the video, continues to ask questions. The agents tell him...

"You'll have to call the supervisor, we don't have the warrant. What's the supervisors number? You'll have to call the ICE office of Chattanooga."

Chattanooga non-profit La Semillas took to Facebook warning residents to stay away from the area, saying "ICE showed up with zero notice, no warrant in hand."

Daniel Padron says he first noticed what was happening through his ring camera.

"I looked at the window and saw a bunch of ICE trucks just speeding down these roads. Which just, you know, made me really upset, because, as you can see, there's people that walk these roads, and so it's not safe.'

But when do federal agents need a warrant?

When coming to construction sites like the one in Heritage Walk, Chattanooga Immigration Attorney Terry Olson says the answer to that question is simpler than you might think.

"They can only go into a public area, so anything else they're not allowed to. I say they are supposed to call the representative."

We reached out to Green Tech Homes LLC, the contractor responsible for the development, asking if they had received notice.

We're waiting to hear back.

Sharon Janssen, a resident in the neighborhood, says while she understands the concerns with ICE enforcement, it’s something that's needed.

"They can do it legally. I'm an immigrant. I did it legally. I pay my taxes. I'm part of the community, and I work and help with society, so I feel that they're doing what they're doing is right."

We reached out to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement division over our area for comment. We have not heard back.

NEWS IN PHOTOS:

"Local"3Flights for as low as $42 out of Nashville, Avelo extends flight schedule this fall

5Hamilton County sheriff clarifies ICE program after activity reported at construction site

3Chattanooga restaurant owner says she feels unsafe being deported to Mexico amid unrest

5Chattanooga residents report increased ICE activity after video shows agents at work site