White House Ramps Up Immigration Enforcement to Workplaces

The White House and Border Czar Tom Homan are expanding immigration enforcement to achieve deportation targets, focusing undocumented workers across industries—not just those with criminal records.

Why it matters: While the recent Los Angeles demonstrations against ICE raids are the current news highlight, worksite enforcement actions are expanding across the country and far beyond the usual industries. These actions will affect not only a broader swath of employers but a more varied group of employees.

By the numbers: 

• From 2007 to 2025, the number of foreign-born workers increased by 40%, the highest on record, while the number of native-born workers increased by only 6 percent. This tracks with the overall size of the unauthorized immigrant population which the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimates is approximately 13.7 million, also a record high.

• The Administration’s revocation of temporary status for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, increased the number of immigrants who could be subject to such sweeps by at least 500,000.

• Certain industries will experience a greater impact. As Goldman Sachs reports, “Immigrants other than visa and green card holders account for 4%-5% of the total US workforce, and they make up 15%-20% in some industries, such as crop production, food processing, and construction.”

Worksite enforcement: The White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller announced the goal of making a minimum of 3,000 arrests a day.

• Political commentators acknowledge that the Administration’s border policy has decreased illegal entry into the U.S. As a result, meeting the arrest goal requires expansion beyond the previous focus on immigrants with a criminal record and international students, with Border Czar Homan stating “You’re going to see more work site enforcement than you’ve ever seen in the history of this nation.”

Increase in I-9 inspections: In addition to raids, the Washington Post reported that the number of notices of inspection have also greatly increased “targeting company headquarters, including in the retail, finance, real estate and tech industries.”

The bottom line: Employers must prepare for the possibility of an I-9 notice of inspection and/or a workplace raid, both of which have increased dramatically in recent weeks.

Employers should understand how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may engage with their workplace.

• ICE agents cannot enter non-public areas of your business without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants (Forms I-200 or I-205) do not grant access. Ensure that HR personnel and on-site staff understand this distinction.

• ICE may enter a business for three primary reasons: 

  • Conduct an I-9 Audit – ICE must provide at least 3 days’ notice to review employment authorization documentation. 

  • Worksite Raid – Unannounced inspections as part of an investigation. 

  • Targeted Detainment – ICE may come seeking a specific individual but could attempt to detain others. 

If you haven’t already, take steps now to ensure workforce records are accurate, up to date, and compliant. Depending on your workforce, you may also consider how to address a loss of workers who might be afraid to come to work.