Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced this week that it will serve Notices of Inspection to 500 employers across the United States. According to ICE, the Notices stem from leads and other reports alleging the employment of unauthorized workers, payment of unfair wages or other unlawful working conditions. This new announcement confirms ICE’s intent to increase its worksite enforcement activities, as we reported last year (see October 7, 2009 posting). Employers that receive notices from ICE should contact experienced immigration employment counsel before the inspection. We can assist with an internal audit and advise on other proactive measures to identify and limit potential exposure.
The announcement this week provides another reminder to employers to review their I-9 practices and ensure they are complying with employment authorization verification requirements. Employers must use the I-9 Form to verify the work authorization of any employee hired after November 6, 1986. (For further information on general I-9 requirements, see our posting from July 22, 2010.)