Complete Story
06/17/2025
An Employer’s Playbook for ICE Audits and Workplace Raids
Source: Fisher Phillips, June 9, 2025
Immigration enforcement across the country has raised tensions at workplaces across all industries, with federal officials ratcheting up the pressure – what if your business is next? This Insight will provide you with a detailed playbook: proactive steps to take to minimize the chances that you’ll face an immigration audit or raid, and practical steps to consider should immigration officials arrive at your workplace. We’ve also created two checklists for you to use as a recap for the key pieces of guidance.
⚠️ Before We Begin: Know The Risks - Employers that commit immigration violations face significant penalties:
- Civil Fines: Up to $2,861 per I-9 violation, up to $5,724 for knowingly hiring undocumented workers, and up to $28,619 per worker for repeat offenders.
- Criminal Penalties: Business leaders can face up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for knowingly employing undocumented workers.
- Asset Seizure: Conviction may trigger forfeiture of assets and profits linked to the violation.
- Loss of Government Contracts: You could be debarred from federal contracting under an Executive Order.
- Business Disruptions: ICE raids can bring immediate work stoppages, trigger media attention, and disrupt morale.
🛠️ Take Steps To Minimize The Likelihood Of A Raid - You’ll want to take proactive steps to minimize the chances that you’ll face ICE enforcement activity. Click here for a Proactive ICE Audit and Raid Preparation Checklist.
- Establish I-9 Compliance...
- Conduct Regular I-9 Audits...
- Employee Training...
- Establish a Rapid Response Plan...
- Run Mock Scenarios...
- Consider Using E-Verify...
📂 Know How To Respond If ICE Initiates An Audit - The most common way in which your business might end up interacting with enforcement officials is through an audit. An ICE audit, often initiated through a Notice of Inspection, requires employers to produce I-9 forms and additional records within three days. Click here for an Immediate Action Steps If ICE Shows Up Checklist.
- Contact Legal Counsel Immediately...
- Gather and Verify Documentation...
- Review Findings and Correct Minor Errors...
- Take Corrective Action Immediately...
2025 Wage + Benefits Survey
We are just 2 ½ weeks away from the August 1 deadline. Don't bury your head in the sand thinking you have the competition beat. You may be left behind on the beach watching your peers take-off into the sunset with the best talent.
Read MoreWave of Deregulation Hits DOL
The U.S. Department of Labor just quietly launched one of the most sweeping deregulatory efforts in recent memory. What employers need to know about the 60+ rules on the chopping block.
Read MoreSedgwick Update
True-Up deadline - BWC asks employers to report their actual payroll for the prior policy year. Also, do you have complacent workers skipping vital steps in their work?
Read MoreThe Hidden Cost of “Paperless”
With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasing use of digital platforms, we must continually examine the real environmental cost of “paperless” communications—and whether digital is truly the greener option.
Read MorePRC Issues Decision on Review of Ratemaking Process
The Commission found that the ratemaking system was not achieving the statutory objectives, taking into account the statutory factors.
Read MoreSell Past the Close: The New Rule That Works
Bill Farquharson broke one of the golden rules of sales—don’t sell past the close—and it worked. In this Short Attention Span Sales Tip, find out why following up after the deal is done might be your smartest move yet.
Read More