What to do if ICE comes knocking: Metro Atlanta officials give advice

What we know:

City leaders from Brookhaven and Chamblee say they were not given any notice that federal agents would be coming into their communities. They only learned of it when they started getting calls and texts from terrified residents.

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"ICE had no communication with us before they did this," said Brookhaven City Councilwoman Madeleine Simmons.

What they're saying:

Simmons says it was alarming when she learned Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were conducting raids along Buford Highway. 

"These people are members of our community, they are small business owners, they are workers at small businesses,  their children are part of our communities, our sports teams, part of our communities," said Simmons. 

She says it was heartbreaking when she heard from school principals that parents were keeping their kids home. 

"If a parent is taken up through a sweep, when the child is at school, then what does the child come home to? We want those families to know that we love them, we support them and we want to be here for them," said Simmons. 

Raids were also conducted next door in Chamblee. 

Why you should care:

"It has left our community very terrified, scared. There's a lot of folks who didn't go to work or school today," said Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock. 

Mayor Mock says this has impacted businesses in the city. He says Chamblee is a welcoming community, and he wants everyone to feel at home.

He says, unfortunately, there's little city leaders or the city police can legally do.

"All we can do is offer the advice if someone knocks on your door and says they're ICE, ask for the warrant. We know it has to be signed by a judge. You don't have to open the door unless they have a warrant," said Mayor Mock.

What you can do:

If you're affected by an ICE raid, Mayor Mock advises you to be respectful, not to answer any questions, and to call an attorney.