Description

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

Areas Covered:-

• An overview of I9 Compliance, including the newest version of the form, employer & employee responsibilities in completing I9s, timetable for completion, attesting to citizenship or immigration status, and use of Supplements A & B
• General tips when completing I9s
• I9 retention guidelines
• Advantages & disadvantages of retaining copies of employees’ I9 documentation
• Avoiding the risk of discrimination throughout the I9 process
• Exceptions to I9s
• External audits by ICE or the Department of Labor
• Internal audits preparation
• Best practices for making corrections on I9s
• Technical/Procedural & Substantive errors
• Types of inspection notices an 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: 
  • Pre-Raids (Preparation)
    • Ensure I9 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
  • 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
  • Post-Raid (Follow-Up & Damage Control)
    • Inform/support employees throughout the process
    • Review the situation
    • Consider PR & media responses
    • Implement/update the organization’s I9 policies & practices
    • Immediately contact legal counsel
    • Communicate responsibly both internally & externally
    • Conduct a post-raid assessment
    • Enhance I9 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

Who Should Attend?

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