Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast Manufacturers Must Prepare for Increased ICE Enforcement
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Sep 25, 2025 Jorge Lopez, a seasoned labor and immigration attorney, shares critical insights on immigration enforcement trends impacting manufacturers. He warns of an uptick in ICE raids and stresses the need for companies to prepare thorough paperwork for federal investigations. Lopez advises on the importance of annual I-9 audits and highlights the misconceptions surrounding E-Verify as a safety tool. Employers should act proactively to manage risks and maintain compliance to navigate the evolving landscape of immigration laws effectively.
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Compliance Is The Central Risk
- Manufacturers should expect immigration enforcement focus on workforce documentation and compliance.
- Retaining lawful status among workers is now a central operational risk for manufacturers.
Enforcement Will Increase With Funding
- New federal funding will expand ICE enforcement capacity and lead to more site visits.
- Expect a measurable increase in audits by Q4 and into the first half of 2026 as funding and staffing roll out.
Run I-9 Self-Audits Now
- Do conduct proactive I-9 self-audits, preferably through outside counsel to protect privilege.
- Fix errors ahead of any government notice to reduce enforcement exposure and scramble.