On March 3, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that it was issuing Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to 180 employers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. The NOIs announce that ICE will be inspecting their hiring records to determine whether or not they are complying with employment eligibility verification laws and regulations.

According to the press release, these investigations are part of a “new, comprehensive strategy to reduce the demand for illegal employment and protect employment opportunities for the nation's lawful workforce.” ICE is investigating “employers suspected of cultivating illegal workplaces by knowingly employing illegal workers.” ICE confirmed that these investigations result from complaints of employment violations at the targeted employers.

This latest announcement continues the trend, as ICE announced the issue of 1,000 NOIs to employers nationwide in November 2009.

Even though these latest investigations do not appear to be random, the continued ICE emphasis on employer compliance highlights the importance that employers properly document the employment eligibility of all employees, and maintain I-9 documents in good order. Jackson & Hertogs offers I-9 training and compliance services for employers, and is happy to assist clients in developing programs to ensure that employers are following all employment eligibility laws and regulations. Please contact your Jackson & Hertogs attorney if you have questions.

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