In today’s heightened enforcement environment, ensuring your Form I-9s are accurate and up to date is not just a best practice—it’s a business imperative.
A New Era of Enforcement
Recent executive orders and ICE activity have signaled a renewed focus on worksite enforcement. According to legal experts, the Trump administration’s 2025 immigration directives have expanded ICE’s authority, increased unannounced worksite visits, and intensified penalties for I-9 violations. In California and other high-risk states, employers have already seen a rise in aggressive enforcement tactics, including raids and record seizures.
What’s at Stake?
Form I-9 is the federal document used to verify an employee’s identity and authorization to work in the U.S. Mistakes—whether due to oversight or misunderstanding—can result in steep fines, reputational damage, and even criminal liability. ICE has shifted from routine audits to enforcement-first visits, often detaining individuals and collecting employer records in the process.
Why Internal Audits Are Essential
Now is the time to conduct a thorough internal audit of your I-9 files. This means:
Verifying that every employee has a properly completed I-9.
Ensuring all required fields are filled out and signatures are present.
- Confirming that document reviewers understand which IDs are acceptable and how to spot inconsistencies.
Proactive audits not only reduce risk but also demonstrate preparedness in the event of an ICE inspection.
E-Verify+ Can Lighten the Load
For organizations looking to streamline compliance, the new E-Verify+ offers a powerful solution. This enhanced system allows for secure, electronic I-9 completion and real-time verification with DHS and SSA databases. It reduces administrative burden, minimizes errors, and ensures consistency across your workforce.
A Broader HR Compliance Strategy
Form I-9 compliance should be part of a larger HR compliance calendar. Aligning I-9 audits with other key HR milestones—such as benefits enrollment, EEO-1 reporting, and ERISA renewals—can help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Final Thought
With ICE enforcement intensifying and legal scrutiny increasing, now is the time to act. Conducting regular I-9 audits and reviewing your HR practices holistically can protect your business and your people.
Need Help with Your I-9 Compliance?
Don’t navigate these complex requirements alone. Our HR compliance experts are here to help you conduct thorough I-9 audits, implement best practices, and ensure your organization stays protected in this evolving enforcement landscape.
Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your HR compliance needs. Whether you need assistance with I-9 audits, E-Verify+ implementation, or comprehensive HR compliance strategies, we’re ready to help safeguard your business.