Key Takeaways
• ICE workplace raids triple in 2025, exceeding 100 major raids and 15,000 I-9 audits annually.
• Industries like construction, agriculture, and hospitality face heightened enforcement and heavy fines for undocumented workers.
• Tom Homan and Trump administration expand raids into schools and hospitals, with increased penalties and no sanctuary for undocumented immigrants.
In 2025, workplace raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have increased at a speed not seen before. This action comes as President Trump returns to office with a new push. Tom Homan, known as the “border czar” and leading voice in immigration enforcement, has made it clear that both undocumented immigrants and the companies who hire them will face more pressure as never before. He said, “you cannot hide from ICE,” setting a tone of strict enforcement. This major change affects businesses, workers, and families across the United States 🇺🇸.
Sharp Rise in ICE Workplace Raids
The number of ICE workplace raids is set to triple in 2025. Estimates predict more than 100 big workplace raids each year and between 12,000 and 15,000 employer audits, known as I-9 audits, every year. These figures are much higher than what was seen in past years.
In I-9 audits, ICE checks forms every business must keep for each worker. These forms show if workers can legally work in the country. When the paperwork is not in order, companies face large fines and even possible criminal charges.
Tom Homan and President Trump’s approach is clear: All undocumented immigrants, not just those with criminal records, are now at risk of arrest. Dan, an employment lawyer familiar with ICE procedures, told a source that the sweep is broader than ever and creates new worries for both employers and workers.
A Broader and Tougher Approach
The ICE Workplace Raids of 2025 look different from those in previous years. ICE is not only going after factories or fields. Now, other places are at risk, such as homes, schools, and hospitals. Even spots that were once seen as “safe” from immigration action, like hospitals or schools, have seen ICE activity.
ICE uses many different methods for enforcement, such as:
- Making unplanned visits to workplaces
- Collecting all employee paperwork and payroll records
- Acting on tip-offs from the public
- Running sudden ID checks at bus or train stations
- Using military aircraft to remove people—never used in this way before in the United States 🇺🇸
These changes make it hard for anyone without legal paperwork to feel safe in day-to-day life.
Targeted Industries and Workforce Changes
Certain industries are being watched more closely because they often depend on immigrants for their staff. Many of these workers may not have valid work papers. The main industries being checked the most include:
- Construction
- Food manufacturing and processing
- Agriculture (like farms)
- Hospitality, including restaurants and hotels
Staffing companies that supply temporary workers are also under greater risk. They often place many workers across businesses, making them open to big action from ICE.
After a workplace raid, companies often lose many workers at once. This loss can cause businesses to close or stop important projects. The impact reaches beyond the job site, touching the lives of families and local economies.
How ICE Workplace Raids Work for Employers
When ICE agents conduct a workplace raid, they do not give any advance warning. Agents may enter a business suddenly, demand to see all work records, and start interviewing workers. Common steps include:
- Checking I-9 employment forms and other hiring paperwork
- Seizing payroll and tax records
- Detaining anyone they think is working without valid papers
When ICE finds a company has hired someone without the right to work, it can issue fines of more than $5,700 for each person knowingly employed without work permission. For simple paperwork errors, the fines can still reach over $2,000 for each mistake.
Legal experts stress that the best way for businesses to protect themselves is to check all I-9 forms regularly and plan ahead for what to do if ICE shows up. Some suggest companies should work with lawyers to have a plan ready, just in case a raid happens. More on what steps businesses should take can be found on the official ICE page for employers.
If a company is found to have broken the rules many times or on purpose, there may be criminal charges, not just fines. When a business loses many workers at once, replacing staff quickly is almost impossible, so their operations and profits take a big hit.
Strong Words from Tom Homan and Trump Administration
Tom Homan, President Trump’s re-appointed “border czar,” is known for his straightforward style. He has told the public: “If you’re an illegal alien in the United States … we’re actively looking for you.” He added that there will likely be “collateral arrests,” meaning ICE will detain anyone found without papers during a raid, even if there is no evidence that person has committed any crimes.
The crackdown goes further. Homan and the Trump administration have promised new executive orders—rules from the president that do not need Congress—to toughen the penalties for not leaving the United States 🇺🇸 after being told to go. These can include fines of nearly $1,000 per day for people who ignore removal orders.
A special focus is being put on what are called “sanctuary cities.” These are places where local police and officials do not help ICE find or remove undocumented immigrants as a policy. The administration wants to put more pressure on these cities, either by taking away federal money or making public examples out of them.
The White House has also started naming people and the crimes they may have committed, putting up posters with their names as part of a campaign to show the public the results of ICE workplace raids.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
For undocumented workers, the rising number of ICE Workplace Raids has caused widespread fear. Many now avoid jobs in places that are likely to see a raid, like restaurants, hotels, and construction sites. Some immigrants even stay home from work, worried about getting caught up in a surprise operation.
Families are afraid of being split up. Some children who are U.S. citizens are at risk of losing a parent to detention or deportation. Civil rights groups say these actions can damage communities for years. Not only do families break apart, but neighborhoods can lose workers, church members, and neighbors overnight.
A study from Boston Review explained that “workplace raids … damage and destabilize local communities long after the initial chaotic aftermath.” Raids create worry in schools when children do not know if their parent will come home. Local businesses hurt too, often losing many workers at once and struggling to keep open.
Details at a Glance: ICE Workplace Raids 2025
Here is a quick look at the main facts:
- Frequency: Workplace raids have tripled. More than 100 major operations each year and up to 15,000 audits.
- Targeted Industries: Industries like construction, farming, food processing, restaurants, and staffing agencies are watched most.
- Methods: Unplanned ICE visits, checking paperwork, sudden ID checks in public places, action at schools and hospitals, and the use of military planes for removals.
- Penalties: Over $5,000 per worker knowingly hired without work papers, and more than $2,000 for each paperwork mistake.
- Employer Risks: Loss of many workers, legal trouble, fines, and even criminal charges.
- Policy Drivers: New executive orders, a focus beyond just those with criminal records, and extra attention on sanctuary cities.
Why These Raids Matter
The Trump administration’s strategy reflects one of the toughest times for workplace immigration enforcement in U.S. history. By tripling the number of ICE Workplace Raids and casting a wider net than ever before, both unauthorized workers and the companies who hire them are feeling the pressure.
Tom Homan has become the face of this effort, vowing to make sure “you cannot hide from ICE.” His message is directed at everyone—workers, employers, and even city officials—underlining that nobody is truly safe from these broad actions.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, experts in the field warn that these raids are not just about catching undocumented workers. They are also designed to scare anyone thinking about coming to the United States 🇺🇸 without permission and to stop businesses from hiring anyone without the proper paperwork.
What Should Employers and Workers Do Now?
Employers are urged to act fast. Company leaders should:
- Double-check all worker I-9 forms to make sure they are correct and complete.
- Talk with legal experts about how to respond if ICE visits their business.
- Make a workplace plan that outlines what steps staff should take during an ICE raid.
- Teach supervisors about how to handle questions and records requests from agents.
Workers, especially those without legal status, should know their rights. This includes:
- Understanding that they do not have to answer every question without a lawyer
- Knowing what paperwork they need to show (or not show)
- Learning what happens during a raid and what steps to follow
Legal centers, advocacy groups, and many community organizations are working to help provide this information.
Broader Effects and Debates
There are many sides to the story. Supporters of the Trump administration say these raids are about enforcing the country’s laws and making sure only those with permission can work. They believe the increase in ICE Workplace Raids protects jobs for citizens and follows the rules made by Congress.
Critics argue the raids are too harsh, causing fear and breaking families apart. They say that targeting whole industries and communities hurts everyone, not just those without papers. Many civil rights organizations are calling for a change in approach, urging leaders to balance law enforcement with humanity and compassion.
The Trump administration, led by Tom Homan in this field, shows no sign of slowing down. Their view is that strong enforcement creates the strongest message.
Looking Forward
The next year is likely to keep seeing more raids and tougher checks. The message from President Trump, Tom Homan, and ICE is clear—everyone in the country must follow the law, whether they are workers or employers.
Many believe businesses will start keeping better records, but the threat of sudden raids will keep workers and families anxious. Others hope that the country will find a better way to fix its immigration system, creating a more stable approach for everyone.
If you are an employer, staying updated is very important. You can find more details about workplace rules and enforcement actions on the official ICE I-9 page, which gives the latest on what to expect and how to prepare.
These changes mark a new era of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. They remind employers, workers, and whole communities to prepare for more checks and to understand their rights and risks as these historic actions continue.
Learn Today
ICE Workplace Raids → Enforcement operations where ICE agents inspect workplaces, detain undocumented workers, and seize employment records without advance warning.
I-9 Audit → A formal review of employee work authorization forms required by U.S. law, used to verify legal employment status.
Sanctuary City → A city with policies limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, often protecting undocumented residents from ICE.
Collateral Arrest → The detention of individuals not initially targeted in a raid but identified as undocumented or out-of-status during enforcement.
Executive Order → A directive issued by the U.S. President that manages federal operations, in this context used to intensify immigration enforcement.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE workplace raids have surged amid President Trump’s 2025 return. With Tom Homan as border czar, enforcement focuses on all undocumented immigrants and employers, not just criminals. Raids now affect schools, hospitals, and homes. Fines and penalties grow, creating anxiety for businesses and families. Preparation is critical for all.
— By VisaVerge.com
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