U.S. Employers Brace for Workplace Immigration Raids as Trump Ramps Up Deportation Efforts

Since President Donald Trump’s re-election, businesses across the U.S. are preparing for large-scale immigration enforcement, fearing worksite raids and intensified audits as part of his administration’s deportation crackdown.

How Employers Are Responding

• The National Council of Agricultural Employers shifted a routine Zoom call into a discussion on handling immigration enforcement.
• 150 business leaders in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, met to strategize document compliance and workplace preparedness in tourism and hospitality industries.
• A child care center in Washington, D.C., received notice of an upcoming review of workers’ employment documents.

Why Worksite Raids Are a Growing Concern

• Leaked documents obtained by NPR suggest the Trump administration is prioritizing workplace immigration enforcement, raising concerns across agriculture, construction, hospitality, and service industries.
• Trade groups and private employers are ramping up legal and compliance efforts, fearing economic disruptions if key workers are deported.
• Employers are seeking guidance on I-9 audits, employee documentation, and legal protections to avoid violations.

What’s Next?

With immigration enforcement ramping up, businesses nationwide may face greater scrutiny and possible labor shortages. As the Biden-era policies roll back, industries reliant on undocumented labor are left navigating an uncertain regulatory landscape.