What Employers Need to Know About Immigration Enforcement at the Workplace

Irish in Motion: Connecting Irish communities with care, insight, and support.

No one expects ICE to show up at their door. But if they do, knowing what to say, what to do, and what your rights are as an employer can make all the difference for your employees, your business, and your community.

As part of the Irish in Motion campaign, the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers (CIIC) has developed clear, compassionate, and compliant resources to help employers prepare for the possibility of immigration enforcement at the workplace. Whether you’re a small business owner, a nonprofit leader, or a community center director, here’s what you should know.

Before a Visit: Build A Plan 

Think of it like a fire drill: the more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel if the unexpected happens. Here’s how to begin:

  • Create a written workplace response plan
  • Train staff to stay calm, say nothing to ICE agents, and refer all questions to the employer
  • Connect with local immigration support networks for legal and family guidance
  • Mark private areas clearly with signage and boundaries for public access.

Advance planning ensures your team isn’t left guessing in a moment that calls for clarity.

Stay Grounded and Know Your Rights

If immigration agents arrive at your business:

Stay calm and encourage your staff to do the same, don’t run or panic

  • Ask to see a warrant and check what type it is:
    • A judicial warrant, signed by a judge, may allow entry into private spaces
    • An administrative warrant, signed by a DHS officer, does not permit access to private areas without your consent
  • You are not required to confirm whether a specific employee is working or assist in locating anyone
  • Observe and document the interaction, including video if possible

Knowing your rights as an employer helps protect the rights of your entire team.

After a Visit: Your Support Still Matters

Even after ICE has left, your role continues. Take time to:

  • Document what happened, how many agents were present, what they said, and how they acted
  • Ask where any detained employees are being taken
  • Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator to help families and legal teams find their loved ones
  • Notify relevant stakeholders or unions if appropriate

Following up shows your team that you are a reliable, steady leader during uncertain times. 

If someone is detained, check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System at www.locator.ice.gov

Tool, Not Fear: Protect Your Team. Protect Your Business.

Many employers want to help but are unsure of how to prepare. That’s why Irish in Motion offers resources developed with legal experts, cultural awareness, and your business needs in mind. 

Download and print our guide below so you and your team are prepared for anything. Or find a center near you for support. Learn more about how to prepare your workplace with confidence and compassion.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn for updates, tips, and to share with your loved ones.

Download our Advice Guide
Connect with a local Irish Center

Disclaimer

The information on this website has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.

Irish in Motion is the Coalition's national initiative to ensure Irish immigrants and their families have access to trusted information, legal resources, and a strong community of support.

Clear information leads to confident decisions.

From understanding visa options to preparing for life changes, we help people make informed choices, grounded in accuracy and care. The Coalition combines national coordination with local connections to offer consistent, up-to-date guidance across the country.

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The Coalition is generously funded through the Government of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Emigrant Support Programme

Are you an Irish immigration center serving your community? Join the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers and connect with a trusted national network.  Contact us to learn more.

Coalition of Irish
Immigration Centers (CIIC)

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