In statements made to the Heritage Foundation on October 17, acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan stated that he has instructed the agency to potentially quintuple worksite enforcement actions next year.
As reported by CNN, Homan stated that "We've already increased the number of inspections in work site operations, you will see that significantly increase this next fiscal year." Homan further elaborated that "When we find you at a worksite, we're no longer going to turn our heads," Homan elaborated after the event. "We'll go after the employer who knowingly hires an illegal alien[.]"
Specifically, the news outlet reports that Homan directed agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to audit how much of their time is spent on worksite enforcement, and to accordingly increase such efforts "by four to five times."
Given the Trump Administration's heavy hand on immigration enforcement, we have previously warned employers of the spectre of increased worksite enforcement, especially in the context of Form I-9 compliance. U.S. businesses of all sizes – including those who do not employ foreign workers – would be well-advised to ensure their Form I-9 records and processes are in full compliance.
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