---
title: "Understanding Immigration Enforcement: What Employers Need to Know"
description: Stay informed on immigration enforcement in Texas. Learn key compliance steps for employers & register for TNLA’s expert-led webinar.
image: https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/hubfs/featured%20blog%20post%20image%202.20.25%20what%20employers%20need%20to%20know.png
---
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# Understanding Immigration Enforcement: What Employers Need to Know
20 February 2025
[Kim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing and Membership Manager](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/author/kim-cabrera-tnla-marketing-and-membership-manager)
[community](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/tag/community), [Advocacy](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/tag/advocacy), [Legislative](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/tag/legislative), [Regulatory Affairs](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/tag/regulatory-affairs), [immigration](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/tag/immigration)
In light of **increased reports of immigration enforcement actions across the country**, including **worksite audits and compliance inspections**, it’s more important than ever for **businesses in the green industry** to stay informed and prepared. While there is **no confirmed evidence of widespread employer-based ICE raids**, the situation is **rapidly evolving**, and misinformation is spreading.
As an employer, you have a **legal obligation to comply with federal and state employment laws**, but you also have **rights** in how you respond to workplace enforcement actions. That’s why TNLA is committed to **providing credible information and resources** to help businesses navigate these challenges confidently.
# **Key Steps for Employers to Stay Prepared**
✔ **Review I-9 Compliance:** Ensure that all employee records are **properly completed and up to date**. ICE audits can happen at any time, and missing or incorrect documentation could result in penalties.
✔ **Know Your Rights & Responsibilities:** While employers must follow federal employment laws, it is equally important to **avoid discriminatory hiring or termination practices** based on immigration status.
✔ **Have a Plan in Place:** If **ICE visits your workplace**, designate a point of contact, understand what documents may be requested, and consult legal counsel immediately.
✔ **Seek Reliable Guidance:** Given the **complexity of immigration laws**, working with **experienced legal professionals** can help ensure compliance while protecting your business and employees.
# **Upcoming TNLA Webinar: Get the Facts**
# **from an** **Expert**
To help members **separate fact from fear**, TNLA is hosting a **free webinar** with **nationally recognized immigration and employment attorney Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP**.
**📅 Date:** March 26, 2025
**⏰ Time:** 12pm NOON
**💻 Register here:** [https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN\_Dg313xi8THiDdJFflTmSiA](https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Dg313xi8THiDdJFflTmSiA)
**What You’ll Learn:**
✅ **Understanding ICE Enforcement Actions** – The key differences between **raids, audits, and inspections** and what they mean for your business.
✅ **How to Prepare for ICE Audits & Workplace Visits** – What steps you should take **now** to ensure compliance before an audit happens.
✅ **Proactive I-9 Audits** – How internal audits can **help identify and correct issues** before enforcement actions.
✅ **Addressing Employee Concerns** – Best practices for **communicating with employees**, handling workplace uncertainty, and countering misinformation.
✅ **Your Rights & Responsibilities as an Employer** – How to **stay compliant** while also protecting your business.
Attendees will also receive the **Monty & Ramirez “Toolkit” for Immigration Compliance for Employers** and **Know Your Rights materials** to share with employees.
**Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Visits Your**
**Business**
While each situation is unique, there are general **best practices** that employers should follow if **ICE agents arrive at your workplace**:
🔹 **Public Areas:** ICE agents can enter public areas of a business, but they **do not** have the authority to stop, question, or detain individuals without cause. Employees in public spaces **have the right to remain silent** and request an attorney.
🔹 **Private Areas:** ICE agents **cannot** enter private areas of your business **without a judicial warrant** signed by a judge. Administrative warrants (such as DHS Forms I-200 or I-205) **do not grant ICE access** to private areas.
🔹 **During a Search:** If ICE has a valid search warrant, **monitor agents closely** to ensure they stay within the scope of the warrant. Do **not** voluntarily provide access to records beyond what is legally required.
🔹 **I-9 Audits:** If notified of a Form I-9 audit, **contact legal counsel immediately**. Employers typically have **three business days** to provide I-9 forms. If ICE identifies unauthorized employees, businesses have **10 days** to correct documentation or remove affected employees from payroll.
**Supporting Employees with Know Your Rights Training**
With enforcement actions making headlines, many workers **fear workplace raids or unexpected detentions**. Employers should consider providing **Know Your Rights training** so employees understand their protections under U.S. law, including:
✔ **The right to remain silent** – Employees are **not required** to answer questions about their immigration status.
✔ **The right to refuse a search** – ICE agents must have a **valid warrant** to conduct a workplace search.
✔ **The importance of staying calm** – Employees should avoid **sudden movements or fleeing**, as this could escalate the situation.
For additional guidance, we encourage employers to review the **National Immigration Law Center’s** resources:
📌 [What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration](https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-what-to-do-if-arrested-detained-immigration/)
**TNLA is Here to Help**
At TNLA, we understand that **immigration enforcement is a complex and sensitive issue** for many businesses in our industry. That’s why we are closely **monitoring the situation** and will continue providing **timely, factual updates** to our members.
📩 **If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact**:
📧 **Curtis Smith** – curtis@tnlaonline.org
📞 **512-579-3851**
**Stay informed. Stay prepared. We’re here to support you.**
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