Situation Overview
As federal immigration agency actions receive extensive media coverage, note that there is no major difference between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and any other law enforcement agency. In a business setting, employees or managers may be interviewed anywhere with their consent. Similarly, residences may be entered only with consent of an occupant, unless there is a warrant signed by a judge. These circumstances are similar to a process server from a private security perspective.
Entry without a warrant, without consent, or without probable cause driven by an immediate hazard would generally be inadmissible in court. Any warrant will specify the conditions of entry, and be signed by a judge. If any agent enters private property without a warrant or consent, carefully document details, yet do not attempt to physically interfere with the search.
Laws may vary slightly by state, and it is vital to know the ordinances in your area of operations. In general, verified process servers, law enforcement members, or court officers must be granted access to the public way and to open common areas of the property.
Commercial Settings
- In a commercial building, these entities may access common areas such as the lobby.
- Security and property management should verify with building ownership what areas may be accessed without a warrant, and set expectations for all employees.
- In general, staff should follow visitor protocols and attempt to make contact with property management or the tenant – notify management, document, do not physically interfere.
- If no contact is made or if the recipient of the summons does not authorize access, the process server or agent may remain in the common areas of the property, wait for a representative to come down, or leave.
Residential Settings
- In a residential building, request identification similar to a normal visitor interaction, and contact property management – notify management, document, do not physically interfere.
- Security and property management should verify with community ownership what areas may be accessed without a warrant.
- Once proper identification has been displayed and verified, the person should be asked to identify the name, suite, or unit of the person he/she wishes to contact.
- Some states require that the agent or process server be allowed access to common areas up to the exterior of the entry door of the residence to attempt to make contact.
Warrants and Subpoenas are Not the Same
- A subpoena is ordered by a court whereby a material witness or an eyewitness is expected to show up in a court or an attorney’s office at a specific time and date.
- A judicial warrant is a court order that permits law enforcement to search for and seize individuals or property, and is signed by a judge.
- Without a warrant, police officers are limited as to when they can enter private property.
Employer and Employee Resources
https://www.nelp.org/insights-research/what-to-do-if-immigration-comes-to-your-workplace/
https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2025-Subpoenas-Warrants.pdf
https://www.aila.org/files/o-files/view-file/AD8BDF14-8CCE-4709-B3DC-E1E7CAF98C81
https://www.wnj.com/updates/ongoing-ice-raids-key-information-for-individuals-and-employers/
Marksman-Titan Security Group consistently maintains communication with our public sector partners to review active threats and resources. In these unprecedented times it remains important to stay vigilant and if you see something, say something. Always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and report any criminal or suspicious activity immediately to your local law enforcement agency. Remaining vigilant and applying steps to keep yourself and those around you safe could be needed at any moment. As such with the domestic terrorist attack on the morning of January 1, 2025 in New Orleans which saw 15 fatalities and injured at least 35 others, maintaining knowledge of what to do in the case of a vehicle ramming and mass gathering attack could be a matter of life or death. In partnership with our public sector partners including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI), here are steps and indicators to keep in mind to maintaining a safe environment.
MASS GATHERING SAFETY AWARENESS
In local communities, DHS Protective Security Advisors (PSAs) work with federal, state, and local government officials and private sector partners to protect soft targets and crowded places. In doing so, PSAs encourage businesses to “Connect, PIan, Train, and Report”. Applying these four steps in advance of an incident or attack can help better prepare businesses and their employees to proactively think about the role they play in the safety and security of their businesses and communities.
Connect
- Develop relationships with local law enforcement, fire response, and other businesses in the area.
- Clarify emergency response responsibilities and other responsibilities related to venue security and emergency response.
- Share information regarding the event and supporting venue layout with local law enforcement, fire response, and emergency management.
Plan
- Develop plans for security, emergency response, emergency communications, and business continuity.
- Develop a bomb threat management plan to enable informed decisions and appropriate actions upon receipt of a bomb threat or discovery of suspicious items.
- Establish procedures for evacuating the venue in the event that a threat is deemed too serious to continue the event.
- Implement a communication process to inform event attendees of actions to take in case of an emergency and develop
Train
- Train staff and volunteers on: Security basics, emergency response, emergency communications, and business continuity plans.
- Staying aware of any suspicious behavior, activities, or items.
- The “Run, Hide, Fight” response to an active shooter incident and the “Recognize, Avoid, Isolate, and Notify” process when confronting suspicious items or packages.
- Provide specialized training for employees who will take additional response actions (e.g., using fire extinguishers, administering first aid).
- Conduct exercises to ensure plans remain applicable, and involve first responders in the exercises to familiarize them with the venue and its security plans, policies, and procedures.
Report
- Post details on reporting suspicious activity, and encourage staff, volunteers, vendors, and the general public to report suspicious behavior to property management security or local law enforcement.
- Promote general awareness to identify:
– Potential surveillance; excessive study of event entrances, exits, security features (e.g., cameras or barriers), or personnel; and unexplained use of binoculars, cameras, and recording devices near an event location.
– Repeat visitors or outsiders who have no apparent business in restricted areas.
– Erratic vehicle operation, repeated driving near an event location, and parking in the same area over multiple days with no reasonable explanation.
– Abandoned parcels, suitcases, backpacks, and packages.
– Bulky or unseasonable clothing.
– Other unusual behavior, activities, or items.
- Establish a system for reporting security concerns.
VEHICLE RAMMING SAFETY AWARENESS
The use of a vehicle as a weapon in a terrorist attack is not new. Recent terrorist incidents and violent extremist propaganda demonstrate that the use of vehicles as a weapon continues to be of interest by those wishing to cause harm. Attacks of this nature require minimal capability, but can have a devastating impact in crowded places with low levels of visible security.
Potential Indicators
The use of vehicles as weapons often has few or no observable indicators but identifying and reporting suspicious activities may assist in detecting a potential vehicle-ramming attack plot. Any one of these activities may be insignificant on its own, but when observed in combination with other suspicious behaviors — particularly advocacy of violence — they may constitute a basis for reporting.
- Reported theft of large or heavy-duty vehicles.
- Observed difficulty in explaining the planned use of a rented vehicle.
- Exhibited nervousness during vehicle rental discussion and insistence on paying rental fees in cash.
- Inability to produce required documentation, such as a valid driver’s license or appropriate endorsement for the class of vehicle sought.
- Observed difficulties in operating a rented vehicle, such as large or heavy-duty trucks, indicating a lack of familiarity from prior usage or experience.
- Loitering, parking, or standing in the same area over multiple days with no reasonable explanation.
- Unexplained use of binoculars, cameras, and recording devices.
What Should People Do in Case of a Vehicle Ramming Attack?
- Run to the nearest safe area while moving away from the source of hazard.
- If a fall occurs, curl into a protected position and try to get up as soon as possible to avoid being trampled.
- If no rapid escape is possible, seek cover behind any available natural or artificial objects that eliminate direct line of sight from the source of hazard.
- Call 9-1-1 and remain alert for potential secondary attacks.
- Render first aid when safe to do so.
- Maintain situational awareness while providing assistance to others.
- When help arrives, follow instructions given by law enforcement and first responders.
PROTECTIVE MEASURES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
The following protective measures provide some basic actions to be considered by those responsible for the safety and security of these locations. It is important to balance the security requirements with the operational and functional needs associated with the typical user of the facility or venue. As a result, a mitigation strategy cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach, and instead must be tailored to the specific physical constraints and functional demands of a given location.
Physical Security
- Post signage relating to emergency entry and exit points, first-aid stations, and shelter locations.
- Post signage identifying items that patrons are prohibited from carrying into the venue.
- Define the perimeter and areas that require access control for pedestrians and vehicles, and identify especially sensitive or critical areas (e.g., control rooms, communications centers, computer server rooms, fuel or chemical storage tanks, mechanical equipment) that require special access controls.
- Evaluate vehicle traffic patterns near the venue and implement strategies to reduce vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety.
- To the extent possible, keep vehicles at a safe distance from areas where large numbers of people congregate and consider whether fixed or temporary vehicle barriers are needed.
- Restrict all vehicular traffic through controlled and secure “pedestrian-only” areas, including separate ingress and egress routes for delivery vehicles away from events.
- Use remote parking and shuttle services to keep vehicles away from critical assets or mass gatherings.
- Monitor all vehicles approaching an entrance or gathering of people for signs of threatening or suspicious behavior (e.g., unusually high speed, vehicles riding particularly low, vehicles emitting a chemical odor, occupants keeping the windows open even in cold or inclement weather).
- Evaluate the need for vehicle barriers, considering passive barriers (fixed bollards, fences, jersey barriers, etc.) and/or active barriers (retractable bollards, rising wedges, etc.). If appropriate, pre-position heavy vehicles to serve as physical barriers around the perimeter of densely populated locations.
Access, Planning and Personnel Security
- Conduct background checks on all staff assigned to critical or sensitive areas.
- Review personnel files of recently terminated employees to determine whether they pose a security risk.
- Evaluate vehicle traffic patterns near the venue and implement strategies to reduce vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety.
- Devise credential systems that indicate areas of access and purpose of activity on the premises.
- Design a monitoring, surveillance, and inspection program that is consistent with venue operations and associated security requirements. If surveillance cameras are used, train personnel to interpret video and identify potential security-related events.
- Conduct a site assessment prior to holding an event that identifies vulnerabilities. For example, the driver of the vehicle may not necessarily follow traffic rules (e.g., one-way street), which must be taken into account when developing a strategy.
EVENT/PROTEST BEST PRACTICES
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Vehicle Ramming Awareness Safety Share: CLICK HERE
Mass Gathering Safety Awareness Tips: CLICK HERE
DHS Hometown Security Initiative: https://www.dhs.gov/hometown-security
DHS Active Shooter Preparedness Program: https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
DHS “If You See Something, Say Something®”: https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something
Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative: https://nsi.ncirc.gov/
Working with our cross-sector public safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the following protests and special events in or near the Chicago Loop. Listings are updated on a regular basis, and are presented in chronological two-week periods.
Anticipated Demonstrations and Events
- Monday, December 16 at 4:00pm: 180 N Stetson (Canadian Consulate), Group may gather for their cause “Delist Samidoun Rally”
- Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00pm: W Van Buren/N Clark, Group may gather for their cause “International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers”
- Thursday, December 19 at 1:00pm: 115 S LaSalle, Group may gather for their cause “Illinois Attorney General Allows Illegal Animal Abuse!”
- Saturday, December 21 at TBD: Unknown Loop Location, Group will gather/drive for their cause “Stop Gaza Genocide: End U.S. Aid to Israel (Car Caravan)”
- Sunday, December 22 at 12:00pm: 1410 Special Olympics (Soldier Field), Group will gather for their event “Chicago Bears NFL Game”
- Wednesday, December 25 at 10:00am: 201 E Ohio (Serbian Consulate), Group may gather for their cause “Gathering at Serbian Consulate”
- Thursday, December 26 at 5:00pm: 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather for their event “City’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony”
- Thursday, December 26 at 7:00pm: 1410 Special Olympics (Soldier Field), Group will gather for their event “Chicago Bears NFL Game”
- Friday, December 27 at 6:00pm: 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Critical Mass Bike Jam” *
- Saturday, December 28 at 3:00pm: 875 N Michigan, Group may gather for their cause “Holy Innocents Vigil for Gaza”
- Monday, December 30 at 5:00pm: 71 W Van Buren (Federal Detention Center), Group may gather for their cause “Justice for Robert Brooks”
- Tuesday, December 31 at 7:30pm: 600 E Grand (Navy Pier), Group may gather for their event “Teen Trend” **
- Tuesday, December 31 at 10:00pm: 600 E Grand (Navy Pier) and 200 W Wacker (Riverwalk), Group will gather for their event “New Years Eve Fireworks Display” ^
- Tuesday, December 31 at 10:00pm: 71 W Van Buren (Federal Detention Center), Group may gather for their cause “New Years Eve Noise Demo”
- Ongoing: Short-notice protests responding to the November 5 national election may be anticipated, including localized traffic and transit disruptions
- Ongoing: Short-notice protests related to the conflict in Gaza are anticipated to continue, including localized traffic and transit disruptions
Notes/Analysis
* = Regular gathering of bicyclists and skateboarders who intentionally block vehicular traffic; anticipate localized traffic disruptions
** = Gatherings of teens organized online; Attendance is highly weather dependent, may cause localized traffic disruptions
^ = City sponsored event includes live music at Franklin/Wacker, plus fireworks displays at Navy Pier and along Chicago River
Event/Protest Best Practices
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to communities. Today, we provide security services to 10 states across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. We employ more than 4,000 security staff and have enjoyed over thirty consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing and emergency planning solutions with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.
Hot off the press! Have you received your copy of our quarterly newsletter, InSight Magazine? InSight is your go-to source for all the exciting happenings at Marksman-Titan Security Group! Stay in the loop and discover our latest achievements, insights, and initiatives. Features in this edition include:
- Interviews with two of our Vice Presidents, Global Partners Jeff Fuesting and Nicole Torres
- Details on the strategic merger between Marksman Security Corporation and Titan Security Group
- Special achievements from our talented security professionals from across the country
In partnership with our public-sector safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the events and protest activity related to the U.S. General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Local, state, and federal government agencies are all operating in a heightened state of awareness, with many planning to activate extensive operational resources and emergency operation centers. Such tension may be anticipated to continue through inauguration day on January 20, 2025 – and possibly beyond.
While the core election focus is the presidential contest between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, there are many “down ballot” races, plus volatile issues such as abortion appearing directly on multiple state ballots. Each of these contests and issues has the potential to further increase tension among voters and the general public. Potential “swing states” such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin have the very real potential to experience activity related to protest demonstrations, and potentially, violence. Types of events include:
Political Extremists – Such organizations may seek to disrupt or forcibly influence the election and are particularly concerning due to the level of organization, online presence, and widespread possession and use of firearms.
Pro-Palestinian and Aligned Demonstrators – Protesters on behalf of Gaza, and in some cases overtly anti-Israeli, have been out in significant numbers in many U.S. cities in recent months. Sometimes these generally peaceful protesters have been joined or infiltrated by vandalism-prone anarchists, or by elements of the violence-prone Black Bloc, or the anti-fascist (Antifa) movement.
Cyberwarfare and Disinformation – Intelligence agencies are concerned with threats related to cybersecurity, and augmented/artificial intelligence has accelerated the threat. These hazards may originate with domestic hackers who are simply seeking to cause disruption or confusion by interfering with computer-based processes, or cyber criminals seeking to monetize threats to targets/victims, including governmental entities.
Lone Offenders – A number of recent incidents of political violence involved subjects who appear to be acting alone, with no direct connection to any larger movement, including an attempted assassination of candidate Trump in Pennsylvania, and an individual arrested for firing into a Democratic office in Arizona found to have 120 firearms and 250,000 rounds of ammunition in his home. The risk posed by such individuals is escalated due to the increased likelihood that they have not been previously identified and may be “flying under the radar” of law enforcement.
Mass Societal Protest – Multiple jurisdictions could see very large-scale demonstrations resulting from a failure of the political process. Such protests would likely be the result of a national election in which the results were not accepted by a very high percentage (or majority) of the voting public. This would include a disputed election result decided by legal wrangling and an unpopular Supreme Court decision – an escalated version of the contested election of 2000 taking place in a much more polarized and distrustful environment.
Safety Precautions
Election-related events/incidents could extend over several days or even weeks. As in 2020/2021, violent disruptions may extend into the electoral vote confirmation and inauguration period in January. Yet there are many actions that can be taken by property managers to prepare for and mitigate any potentially negative outcomes.
- Consider adding additional security personnel. Consider additional security staff as a deterrent and coordinate with first responders in an emergency.
- Discuss and practice soft lockdowns and hard lockdowns at your facilities. Talk about how to quickly and effectively secure buildings with limited access or no access.
- Review civil unrest procedures and protocols. Prepare for widespread civil unrest or protest activity, especially in the event of no clear election result.
- Remove all possible projectiles from property perimeter. Remove anything that could be used to damage property – trash cans, stanchions, construction materials, etc.
- Schedule operations staff for 12-hour slots to limit shift changes and commutes. Security and engineering staff should consider 12-hour days to maximize coverage.
- Plan for logistical needs. With potential access-control restrictions, acquire and stockpile essential supplies now.
- Plan to monitor multiple information sources. Utilize all channels to stay informed, including election officials, reliable media sources, and internal mass messaging.
- Make a communications plan, utilizing multiple channels/methods. Have multiple ways to contact key personnel, and test each of them prior to election night.
- Counter false information. Don’t spread rumors or unverified information. Keep an eye on the Department of Homeland Security website https://www.cisa.gov/rumorcontrol
- Report early and often on election day. Any voter intimidation or illegal election activity should be reported to 911, and to the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
Event/Protest Best Practices
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to communities. Today, we provide security services to 10 states across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. We employ more than 4,000 security staff and have enjoyed over thirty consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing and emergency planning solutions with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.