U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested over 1,000 undocumented workers without employment authorization as part of a sweeping worksite enforcement campaign since January 20, 2025, according to a press release issued by ICE today. Led by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) directorate, these efforts target both undocumented workers and the businesses that employ them.
In addition to the arrests, HSI has proposed nearly $1 million in fines against employers after subpoenaing business records from approximately 1,200 companies. According to HSI Acting Director Robert Hammer, this marks the highest arrest rate in the agency’s history.
“This is the highest rate of arrests in HSI’s history,” said HSI Acting Director Robert Hammer. “We’ve subpoenaed the business records of about 1,200 companies, and as part of our review, we’ve proposed close to $1 million in fines.”
The intensified operations align with President Donald J. Trump’s executive order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” which emphasizes strict enforcement of the Immigration and Nationality Act and other federal immigration laws.
“Businesses that exploit and hire illegal workers are harming the American public,” Hammer stated, highlighting ICE’s dual mission of detaining undocumented workers and holding employers accountable.
Over the past two months, ICE has conducted large-scale worksite raids across the country, targeting industries and businesses suspected of violating employment laws.
In Ohio, a joint operation with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division targeted a Chinese money laundering organization accused of operating a staffing company that supplied undocumented workers to a factory. On April 2, 2025, ICE filed a civil complaint, leading to the seizure of 14 properties, seven bank accounts, and 15 vehicles.
Other operations include a Louisiana raid that resulted in 11 arrests, a Pennsylvania action that led to four detentions, and a New Jersey sweep that placed 16 undocumented workers in custody.
Employer accountability is a key focus of HSI’s investigations. The proposed $1 million in fines stems from reviews of business records to ensure compliance with employment eligibility requirements. Knowingly hiring undocumented workers is a federal crime, and ICE has vowed to prosecute business owners who exploit such labor.
To help businesses avoid penalties, ICE promotes its IMAGE program, which provides training on anti-discrimination, detecting fraudulent documents, and preventing forced and child labor. Companies can partner with ICE through IMAGE to strengthen hiring practices and ensure full legal compliance.
Legal experts and attorneys are cautioning U.S. employers to strictly comply with Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) requirements, as non-compliance could result in fines of up to $2,861 per violation. This warning comes amid increased enforcement efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Immigration Attorney Keshab Raj Seadie has urged employers to ensure their I-9 paperwork is accurate, complete, and up to date. “With the increased penalties, even minor errors or oversights in I-9 compliance can lead to substantial fines,” Seadie emphasized. “Employers must take proactive steps to review their processes and avoid costly violations.”
In a recent update, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an increase in civil monetary penalties for employers who fail to comply with employment eligibility verification requirements, commonly known as Form I-9. The adjustment, part of a final rule issued by DHS, aligns with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 and guidance from the Executive Office of the President (EOP) Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The new penalty amounts, which took effect for violations assessed after January 2, 2025, apply to infractions that occurred after November 2, 2015. Under the updated rule, fines for I-9 paperwork violations have been raised to a range of $288-$2,861 per violation, up from the previous range of $281- $2,789.
Under federal law, employers must complete and maintain Form I-9 for all employees hired in the U.S., ensuring they are legally authorized to work. The form requires employees to provide valid documentation proving their identity and employment eligibility.
During Trump’s first term, these enforcement measures were significantly ramped up, with I-9 audits increasing more than fourfold and over $121 million in judicial fines, forfeitures, and restitution imposed between fiscal years 2017 and 2019.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
