The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will intensify its crackdown not only on undocumented immigrants, but also on the companies that hire them.
According to the warning from its interim director, Todd Lyons, in an interview with CBS News on the program Face the Nation, quoted by Univisión: “We are not only focusing on the individuals who are working illegally here, but also on these American companies that are actually exploiting these workers.”
When asked if ICE will take legal action against employers, Lyons replied straightforwardly: “Absolutely.”
According to the confirmation, the agency will use criminal arrest warrants to bring to justice those who hire individuals in irregular migration situations.
In recent weeks, ICE has intensified raids on workplaces, a practice characteristic of Donald Trump's first administration that was paused during Joe Biden's tenure.
However, the return of these operations during Trump's second term has raised concerns in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and domestic services, where thousands of undocumented workers are employed.
Lyons stated that ICE will detain anyone found in the country without authorization, “regardless of whether they have a criminal record or not.”
This includes workers with years of residence in the U.S., many of whom pay taxes using ITIN numbers, but who, according to the law, are not granted legal permission to work.
In an interview with Univisión, immigration attorney Haim Vasquez warned that employers must prepare for stricter inspections, particularly related to the I-9 form, which certifies work authorization.
“Employers could face civil penalties and criminal charges if they have individuals without documents on their payroll,” he said.
It was also explained that domestic workers, gardeners, or informally hired workers could come under the scrutiny of the authorities.
“This offensive aims not only to stop, but also to instill fear within the community,” he warned.
Meanwhile, false videos are circulating on social media claiming that there is a supposed "curfew" in states like Florida or Texas to prevent undocumented individuals from leaving their homes.
Univisión denied this information. “It is completely false,” emphasized Vasquez, pointing out that “there is no national emergency that justifies such a measure, and the courts have already set clear limits.”
Although Trump hinted in June at a temporary pause on raids in the agricultural sectors, the order was never implemented.
In fact, the Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, stated that there will be no amnesty for undocumented farm workers.
They will be deported, although "in a strategic manner," he said.
Despite the government's justifications, the current immigration policy generates increasing fear among millions of immigrants, including many who have been living in the U.S. for years, contributing through their work and taxes.
Lyons' words make it clear: there will be no exceptions.
"If ICE encounters someone who is in the country illegally, we will detain them," the official assured.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE's Offensive Against Companies Hiring Undocumented Immigrants
What actions is ICE taking against companies that hire undocumented immigrants?
ICE is intensifying its offensive not only against undocumented immigrants but also against the companies that hire them. According to Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, the agency will use criminal arrest warrants to bring to justice those who employ individuals in irregular immigration situations. This includes raids at workplaces and audits of the I-9 form to verify employees' work eligibility.
What is the I-9 form and why is it relevant in ICE's crackdown?
The I-9 form is a mandatory document used to verify the identity and work eligibility of employees in the U.S. Audits of the I-9 form are a strategy employed by ICE to combat illegal employment and protect the U.S. labor market. If violations are detected during these audits, companies may face fines, civil penalties, or criminal charges.
Which sectors are most affected by ICE raids?
Sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and domestic services are the most affected by the raids. These sectors rely heavily on migrant labor, and the ICE raids have instilled fear and paralysis in immigrant communities, also impacting the economy of these industries.
Is it true that there is a "curfew" for undocumented immigrants in some states in the U.S.?
No, it is completely false that there is a "curfew" for undocumented immigrants in states like Florida or Texas. This misinformation has been debunked by Univisión and immigration law experts, who assert that there is no national emergency that would justify such a measure.
Filed under:
