ICE, ICE . . . maybe: Know your rights when ICE arrives at your workplace

During the first Trump administration, employers saw increased activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the workplace, and it looks like employers will see similar action over the next four years. The president-elect has promised to resume and intensify deportation efforts when he returns to office. That announcement has sparked a wide range of reactions from staunch support to vehement opposition. The stated plan focuses on increasing the number of deportations, particularly targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds.

Recently, the president-elect announced that Tom Homan, who served as the acting director of ICE during his last administration, will be in charge of the nation’s borders and hold overall responsibility for deporting undocumented workers. While we don’t yet know what the final plan will be or how it will be implemented, employers can be certain to see an uptick in ICE visits to their workplaces. Here’s what you need to know.

Lowdown

When ICE agents arrive at a workplace unannounced, it can be stressful for both employers and employees. Regardless of what your position is on deportation, it’s important to understand your rights and obligations when ICE arrives to ensure the situation is handled legally and ethically. And to make sure you stay out of trouble.