The Biden Administration is putting an end to the mass arrests of undocumented workers through workplace raids. Immigration advocates have long criticized these raids for spreading fear and discouraging workers from reporting labor violations due to concerns of being arrested. This move will not only end workplace raids. It will also hold employers accountable for unlawful practices and empower undocumented workers to report workplace violations.
Have you been arrested in a past workplace raid or for any other immigration offense? Attorney Eric Price is here for you. We have won multitudes of cases for our clients in various courts, including the immigration courts in different cities. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you fight for your American Dream.
Workplace Raids Under The Trump Administration
Under the Trump administration, worksite raids increased in frequency and numbers of arrests over time. In February 2017, a month after the president’s inauguration, a set of coordinated raids targeted multiple Asian restaurants in the Jackson, Mississippi, area. By April of the following year, a worksite raid at Tennessee meat processing facility Southeastern Provision became the largest ICE raid in a decade — about 100 people were arrested. During the summer of 2018, ICE continued to conduct raids, including large-scale raids in Ohio and Texas that led to more than 100 arrests. Later in the year, a raid on a series of Mississippi poultry processing facilities comprised the largest single-state operation in the history of ICE. Nearly 700 workers were detained.
What’s Changing?
Instead of raiding workplaces to search for undocumented immigrants, the Department of Homeland Security will now focus on “unscrupulous employers who exploit the vulnerability” of undocumented labor. With the changes, the Biden Administration hopes to accomplish the following:
- End Workplace Raids — According to DHS, the focus of mass workplace raids was wrong and should instead be shifted to exploitative employers.
- Focus On Employers — DHS says this shift will reduce the demand for illegal labor because of stiffer consequences for companies and managers.
- Empower Undocumented Workers — The changes make it easier and safer for workers to report unsafe working conditions and violations.
- Improve Coordination Between Agencies — The new policy will create more effective coordination between the DHS and the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Labor Relations Board, and state and local labor agencies and officials.
Why Is The DHS Making This Change?
During workplace raids, immigration officials physically invade a workplace unannounced to target workers for arrest and deportation. DHS agents seal off the workplaces exits and arrest and detain workers, sending them to remote detention centers without warning. In an attempt to overhaul these cruel practices, the Biden Administration ordered the change. In addition to halting the mass workplace raids, the new law supports the idea of exercising prosecutorial discretion to spare workers from charges if they have witnessed or been the victim of workplace abuse and/or exploitation.
“We will not tolerate unscrupulous employers who exploit unauthorized workers, conduct illegal activities, or impose unsafe working conditions,” DHS Secretary Mayorkas said. “We will not tolerate unscrupulous employers who exploit unauthorized workers, conduct illegal activities, or impose unsafe working conditions. ”
Who Will Be Affected?
The policy changes will impact both employers and undocumented workers. Now, there are more protections in place to ensure undocumented workers are not unfairly retaliated against with deportation. They will also feel more comfortable reporting labor violations and exploitations and have a quicker, more streamlined way to do so.
Next Steps
Within 60 says, Secretary Mayorkas also instructed immigration agency officials to come up with proposals to encourage witnesses and labor trafficking victims to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement. The agencies were also encouraged to consider ways to ensure that undocumented immigrants are not placed into deportation proceedings while investigations continue.
If you’re concerned or curious about how this policy change will impact your immigration case, contact attorney Eric Price.
Contact Attorney Eric Price Today!
Working with an immigration attorney the best investment you can make into your future in the United States. An experienced and skilled attorney will be by your side throughout the entire process. Attorney Eric Price is dedicated to changing the lives of immigrants across the U.S., reuniting families across the nation. Contact us today to learn more. Our firm is proud to bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and integrity to immigrants in the USA and abroad.
