Preparing Businesses for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Raids: What to Expect, How to Respond
Course Details
- smart_display Format
Live Online with Live Q&A
- signal_cellular_alt Difficulty Level
Intermediate
- work Practice Area
Immigration
- event Date
Thursday, April 10, 2025
- schedule Time
1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
- timer Program Length
90 minutes
-
This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
This CLE program will equip business immigration attorneys with the knowledge and tools necessary to help their clients prepare for and respond to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The panel will provide an overview of ICE raids, proactive measures to prepare for such events, and strategies to mitigate potential legal and operational risks.
Mr. Duong is an immigration attorney in Holland & Knight's Nashville office. Mr. Duong assists a broad spectrum of industries, ranging from early startups to large multinational corporations, with their international talent acquisition and regulatory compliance needs. Companies seeking to attract and retain international personnel rely on him to assist with immigration matters.
Mr. Patrick is a partner in Haynes Boone’s Houston office in the White Collar and Government Investigations Practice. He is an experienced investigator, judge and trial lawyer who has handled or supervised nearly every type of criminal and civil enforcement matter. Mr. Patrick's experience comes from nearly 20 years in the courtroom, first as a state prosecutor, then as a Texas district court judge, and finally as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, serving from 2018 to 2021. As US Attorney he oversaw one of the largest DOJ offices and the busiest criminal and appellate docket in the country.
ICE raids are enforcement actions conducted to identify and apprehend undocumented workers. These raids can be highly disruptive, involving armed agents, search and seizure warrants, and potential detainment of employees. The impact on businesses can be severe, including operational disruptions, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.
The new Trump administration has signaled a renewed focus on immigration, including an expansion of expedited removal and mass deportations. There have been dozens of ICE raids in the early weeks of 2025 alone. Industries in sectors such as healthcare, transportation, hospitality, construction, and agriculture, which traditionally employ higher numbers of immigrant workers, may be particularly affected.
As ICE raids become more frequent, the need for thorough preparation and adherence to immigration laws is critical. Counsel and businesses must navigate complex legal requirements and maintain comprehensive records to demonstrate compliance with immigration laws. Understanding what to expect during an ICE raid and how to prepare can help businesses minimize risks and ensure continuity.
Listen as our expert panel breaks down the raid process, from initial preparation to post-raid actions. They will provide best practices for compliance, employee training, and interaction with ICE agents. The panel will also discuss long-term strategies to prevent future issues and maintain a compliant workforce.
- Overview of ICE raids and legal framework
- Legal basis for ICE raids
- Raids vs. audits
- Preparing for an ICE raid
- Responding to an ICE raid
- Immediate steps to take upon notification of a raid
- Interaction with ICE agents: do's and don'ts
- Protecting employee rights and ensuring due process
- Managing public relations and communication
- During the raid
- What to expect during a raid
- Legal rights and obligations of employers
- Handling search and seizure warrants
- Ensuring minimal disruption to business operations
- Post-raid actions
- Addressing violations and potential penalties
- Mitigating legal and financial risks
- Supporting affected employees
- Implementing corrective measures and ongoing compliance
The panel will discuss these and other key issues:
- Best practices for preparing a business for an ICE raid
- Steps to take immediately upon notification of a raid
- Effective interaction with ICE agents during the raid process
- Addressing violations and mitigating penalties post-raid
- Long-term compliance measures
