Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents inspected nearly 100 7-Eleven stores throughout 17 states on Wednesday, in an apparent crackdown on the employment of undocumented immigrants. This was the largest enforcement action taken by ICE since the new presidential administration took office last year. ICE Deputy Director Thomas Homan stated that the enforcement actions “send a strong message to U.S. businesses that hire and employ an illegal workforce: ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable.”
ICE agents arrested 21 people suspected of working in the United States illegally, and gave employers three days to produce all of their I-9 forms for inspection. Every employer is required to properly complete and retain a Form I-9 when hiring employees. Employers can face criminal penalties and civil fines associated with Form I-9 violations.
Increased enforcement activities may become more common under the current administration. Given the current political climate and the recent actions by ICE, it is imperative that employers properly document the work authorization of their employees. Employers should review their I-9 policies and procedures and ensure that their I-9 forms are compliant. If you would like to discuss these matters, please contact Mike Wooley, Angela Jenkins, or Johnny Pinjuv.