Last week, one of my larger restaurant clients received an unannounced visit from two plain-clothed agents identifying themselves as working with ICE. They had proper identification and business cards. They were unarmed. They attempted to demand that the restaurant turn over all the I-9s IMMEDIATELY. But that is NOT the law. Pursuant to federal law,…
Category: Immigration
Workplace Know Your Rights Act Effective February 1, 2026 (SB 294)
There have been a few bills and new laws recently with this similar title, but this new law was purportedly in direct response to the recent uptick in ICE raids. And yet, California just has to be California, so there are some other topics tucked into this bill as well. The new law requires that…
The ICE Men Cometh and Remain
In her press conference in Los Angeles last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem reiterated their intent to remain in our city. The federal courts continue to debate President Trump‘s ability to federalize the National Guard and send military personnel to Los Angeles, above the protestations of Governor Newsom. Exceptions to Reporting…
Preparing For ICE Raids – the Redux
While current events have been far more explosive than anticipated, these raids should not be a surprise. I wrote two articles on this topic months ago because the ICE raids and increased deportation activity have been a publicized part of this administration’s agenda well before the election. I reported on this topic back in February…
Navigating the Threat of ICE Raids, Part Two
The LA Times and several other new sources have reported “leaked information” from “officials” indicating that Los Angeles would be the target of “large scale” ICE raids by the end of February. It is unclear whether these increased enforcement efforts will target employers, or if they will instead focus on schools, hospitals, and churches, which…
ICE Raids: How to Prepare Now
The most important thing to know as an employer, you have rights, as do your employees. You also have responsibilities. As California employers, we must comply with both California as well as federal law. But what does that all mean? First, we need to get educated. And then, we need to make and implement a…