Employer resources for immigration enforcement

Immigration worksite enforcement remains an important consideration for many employers. Staying informed about changes in immigration laws and enforcement priorities is essential to maintaining compliance and reducing risk. Regularly reviewing trusted resources and preparedness materials can help employers anticipate potential challenges, implement effective mitigation strategies and respond confidently and proactively.

This overview highlights resources to support employer awareness and preparedness regarding immigration enforcement. Organizations should consult qualified legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.

• Immigration Resources
  • Discover guidance and practical tools about immigration rights, legal services in Minnesota, and information on what to do if immigration enforcement visits your workplace or home.
     
• Ecolab announces program to support Minnesota businesses and communities
   
• Fredrikson & Byron – February 2025 Worksite Enforcement Slide Deck
  • The February 2025 Fredrikson Law slide deck on immigration worksite enforcement provides an overview of enforcement trends, audit considerations and insights relevant to employer preparedness.
• Fredrikson immigration webinars
  • Fredrikson’s ongoing and recorded immigration-related webinars deliver timely updates on regulations, employer obligations and compliance considerations.
• Taft Law – ICE raids on construction projects: Best practices for mitigation
  • Best practices for mitigation designed for the construction sector.
• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota – Know your rights resources
  • The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota offers multilingual “Know Your Rights” materials that support both employers and employees.
• ICE I-9 Compliance fact sheet
• DHS Handbook for employers
• 2018 Minnesota Continuing Legal Education I-9 guidance
• Fredrikson I-9 fast facts
• Fisher Phillips Employer ICE raid checklist
• Fisher Phillips Employer Playbook for ICE Audits and Workplace Raids
• SHRM How to conduct an I-9 audit
• Mid-MN Legal aid Know Your Rights and safety planning webinar

Recovery Resources  

Several grant programs have been established to support small business recovery. Links to program information and a brief description are provided below. We’ll continue to provide updates as program details are announced.

• Minneapolis Foundation’s Economic Response Grants
  • Eligible small businesses may receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on demonstrated need and available funding. Funding will support small businesses in the Twin Cities and statewide, with an emphasis on communities experiencing the most significant disruptions. Businesses with a maximum of 40 employees are eligible to apply. Funding is available for businesses that are currently operating as well as those that are temporarily or permanently closed due to disruptions.
• Minneapolis Foundation’s Salt Cure Fund for restaurants
  • Funds are provided to help cover hardships impacting ongoing restaurant operations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling, weekly basis.  
• Latino Economic Development Center’s Latino & Immigrant Business Emergency Relief fund
  • LEDC currently has grant funding available for Latino-owned businesses located throughout Minnesota that have been negatively impacted by recent ICE activity. These grants are intended to provide immediate financial relief for businesses facing urgent challenges.
• Hmong American Partnership’s Small Business Stabilization Grant
  • Grants up to $5,000 will be awarded to eligible small businesses experiencing significant disruption during the current climate, subject to available funding. 
     

Immigration legal resources

Employers hiring temporary or permanent foreign-born workers should consult an immigration attorney who specializes in business employment law. When looking for legal assistance to hire temporary or permanent foreign-born workers, they should consult an immigration attorney. It may be helpful to distinguish between firms that provide employer-focused services and those that provide direct legal support for immigrants. 

If a business already has a legal team, ask if they offer immigration services or recommend a local firm. 

There are numerous employment law firms in Minnesota. Below is a sample of some companies that offer immigration services in Minnesota.

• Cozen O’Connor
• Dorsey & Whitney
• Fox Rothschild
• Faegre Drinker
• Fredrikson
• Mendelson
• Nilan Johnson Lewis
• Peters & Kappenman
• Stinson
• Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP