I9 Immigration Raids and Worksite Enforcement Actions: Protecting Your Organization Through Preparedness and Compliance

Overview:

An I9 immigration raid or worksite enforcement action is a serious event where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) inspect a workplace for unauthorized workers and monitors I9 compliance with immigration laws. Employers must be prepared to manage such situations lawfully and responsibly.

Participants of this webinar will come away with strategies to proactively protect their organization, their workforce, and legal standing should they be the subject of an ICE audit or raid. This type of training is a critical component of risk management, compliance, and employee trust.

Topics Covered in this Session:

· An overview of I9 Compliance, including newest version of the form, employer & employee responsibilities in completing I-9s, timetable for completion, attesting to citizenship or immigration status, use of Supplements A & B
· General tips when completing I-9s
· I-9 retention guidelines
· Advantages & disadvantages of retaining copies of employees’ I-9 documentation
· Avoiding the risk of discrimination throughout the I9 process
· Exceptions to I-9s
· External audits by ICE or the Department of Labor
· Internal audits preparation
· Best practices for making corrections on I-9s
· Technical/Procedural & Substantive errors
· Types of inspection notices employer might receive post-audit
· ICE workplace visits (for purposes of I9 audits & raids)
· Employee & Employer rights in instances of a raid
· Best practices & guidelines when the employer is the subject of an ICE raid:
          o Pre-Raids (Preparation)
                  · Ensure I-9 compliance
                  · Train designated response teams on raid protocols
                  · Establish & document a worksite enforcement response plan
                  · Know the legal distinction between warrants
                  · Retain counsel familiar with worksite enforcement

         o During Raids (Utilizing an Action Plan)
                  · Staying calm & professional
                  · Ask for the warrant
                  · Limit ICE’s movement in your place of business
                  · Avoid obstruction during a raid, and do not volunteer information
                  · Do not interrogate or terminate employees
                  · Importance of fully documenting the situation
                  · Protecting employees & maintaining workplace order during a raid

         o   Post-Raid (Follow-Up & Damage Control)
                  · Inform/support employees throughout the process
                  · Review the situation
                  · Consider PR & media responses
                  · Implement/update the organization’s I-9 policies & practices
                  · Immediately contact legal counsel
                  · Communicate responsibly both internally & externally
                  · Conducti a post-raid assessment
                  · Enhance I-9 compliance going forward

· Components of a post-ICE Raid review
         · Immediate aftermath of a raid
         · Legal & compliance review
         · Employee status verification
         · Communication & crisis management
         · Operational & business continuity impact
         · Policy and Training Review
         · Corrective actions and preventive measures
         · Follow-up monitoring & legal proceedings

Suggested Attendees:

· Senior Leadership
· Legal & Compliance Professionals
· HR Professionals
· Managers & Supervisors
· Operations Professionals
· Risk Management Professionals
· Facility Managers
· Employees