Worksite Raids on Pause

Derek Lawson

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Immigration Conversation. I'm Derek Lawson, and as always, I'm joined by the brilliant Ruby Sturt. Ruby, how's it going?

Ruby Sturt

Oh, cheers Derek! I'm good, mate. Bit of a wild week in immigration news, yeah? This whole worksite raid pause—it's got everyone talking.

Derek Lawson

Absolutely. So, let's get right into it. The Trump administration just announced a pause on ICE worksite raids, but only in certain industries—agriculture, hospitality, and food processing. That’s farms, hotels, restaurants, meatpacking plants, you name it. It’s a big deal for a lot of folks out there.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and it’s not just out of the blue. There’s been a ton of pushback from business leaders, especially in rural areas. I mean, you had farmers and hotel owners basically saying, “Look, you’re taking away workers we literally can’t replace.” And then you had protests in places like LA—people out in the streets, making noise about how these raids were hurting communities.

Derek Lawson

Right, and I think it’s worth pointing out, this isn’t a change in the law. It’s more like an internal memo—ICE agents are being told to hold off on these raids, but only in those key industries. If you’re in, say, construction or retail, this doesn’t really apply. And it could be reversed, like, tomorrow if the political winds shift.

Ruby Sturt

Exactly. It’s a tactical pause, not a permanent fix. But for a lot of businesses, it’s a bit of breathing room. I mean, Derek, you’ve seen this kind of thing play out before, right?

Derek Lawson

Yeah, actually, it reminds me of back in Detroit—different industry, but same kind of panic. There was this auto plant, and overnight, a bunch of workers just stopped showing up. Rumors were flying about an ICE sweep, and suddenly, the whole line was short-staffed. The community scrambled—managers, union folks, even local churches stepped in to help families. It was chaos, but it showed how much these industries depend on immigrant labor. When enforcement ramps up, it’s not just workers who feel it—it’s the whole local economy.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and that’s what’s happening now. The pause is a response to that kind of disruption. But, like you said, it’s not a long-term solution. There’s still a lot of uncertainty for both employers and workers.

Derek Lawson

So, let’s talk about what employers should actually be doing right now. Even with raids on hold, there’s still a lot of anxiety out there. First thing—communicate clearly. Let your team know what’s changed, but also what hasn’t. Raids are paused in some industries, but not everywhere, and other types of enforcement can still happen, like at homes or transit stations.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and don’t just send out one email and call it a day. You gotta make sure everyone understands—maybe in different languages, maybe with anonymous ways for people to ask questions. I’ve seen some places set up hotlines or feedback boxes so workers can get info without feeling exposed.

Derek Lawson

And then there’s the paperwork side. HR teams should be auditing their I-9s, making sure everything’s up to date and accurate. But—and this is important—don’t go around asking people to reverify their documents just because of how they look or sound. That’s a quick way to get into legal trouble.

Ruby Sturt

Totally. And managers need training, too. Like, what’s actually required on the I-9, what’s not, and how to avoid discrimination. Regular training can save a lot of headaches down the line.

Derek Lawson

Another big one—supporting legal pathways. Share info about DACA, TPS, and other protections. Maybe host a Q&A with an immigration attorney, or partner with legal aid groups for workshops. It’s about giving people real options, not just telling them to “figure it out.”

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and I’ve actually seen this in action back home in Australia. There was a farm that relied on migrant workers, and when enforcement rules changed, they started working with local legal clinics. They’d bring in lawyers for info sessions, help workers renew visas, and even set up rides to appointments. It made a huge difference—people felt supported, not just tolerated.

Derek Lawson

That’s a great example. And here, employers can do similar things—create resource sheets, refer folks to trusted legal providers, and just be proactive. It’s not just about compliance, it’s about building trust with your team.

Ruby Sturt

And don’t forget emergency protocols. Even with the pause, you need a plan. Designate a point person for immigration issues, have a step-by-step guide for what to do if ICE shows up, and make sure everyone knows their rights—like, ICE can’t just walk into private areas without a signed warrant, and employees have the right to remain silent.

Derek Lawson

So, here’s the thing—this pause only covers certain industries. Raids can still happen in homes, on the way to work, or in sectors not named in the guidance. It’s not a blanket protection. That’s why updating emergency plans and educating staff is still crucial.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and it’s not just about reacting. There’s a real opportunity for advocacy here. Industry groups—like ag associations or chambers of commerce—are pushing for more practical immigration solutions. They’re tracking how labor shortages and missed shifts are hurting business, and using that data to talk to lawmakers.

Derek Lawson

Exactly. And employers can get involved, too. Join those groups, write letters, share your story. The more voices, the harder it is for policymakers to ignore the need for real reform. And, you know, keep your records tight—if enforcement priorities change again, you want to be ready for audits or new rules.

Ruby Sturt

It’s a tactical pause, not a fix. But it’s a chance for employers to step up, protect their teams, and push for something better. And, honestly, it’s a reminder that immigration policy isn’t just about laws—it’s about people, businesses, and whole communities.

Derek Lawson

Well said, Ruby. That’s all for today’s episode of The Immigration Conversation. We’ll keep following this story and bring you updates as things change. Thanks for tuning in, everyone.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, thanks for listening! If you’ve got questions or stories to share, send them our way. We’ll be back soon with more real talk on immigration. Take care, Derek!

Derek Lawson

You too, Ruby. See you next time, folks.