Earlier this week, a wave of surprise workplace visits by ICE agents disrupted more than a dozen restaurants and small businesses across Washington, D.C. Armed with Notices of Inspection, federal agents requested I-9 employment documentation in an effort described as routine compliance—but felt by many as deliberate intimidation.
Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration attorney Ava Benach, who represents one of the affected establishments, joined local media to discuss the legal and human impact of these workplace enforcement actions. Her message was clear: this operation may be lawful, but its execution raises serious concerns.
“This isn’t novel,” Ava Benach noted. “But what’s different is the scale—the fact that they visited 7 or 8 restaurants and other businesses across the city in a single day.”
What Happened?
ICE delivered I-9 inspection requests to a wide range of businesses—many without prior notice. These documents are legally required for all employers, but the unusual in-person delivery and scope of visits raised eyebrows among legal experts.
“This could have been done by certified mail or email,” Ava Benach added. “The in-person sweep clearly sends a message beyond compliance.”
Despite federal claims of targeting gang activity and violent criminals, the real targets appear to be dishwashers, kitchen staff, and small business owners.
Why It Matters
At Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration, we’ve seen firsthand how compliance checks can become coercive tools when carried out with an intent to intimidate. Our concern is not with the law itself—but with how it’s being used to create fear among immigrant workers and their employers.
“We’ve seen ICE agents arresting green card holders, showing up at schools and hospitals, and detaining people with legal status,” Ava Benach explained. “It’s creating a climate where people are afraid to go outside.”
What Employers Need to Know
We urge all employers—particularly in industries like hospitality, construction, and retail—to understand your rights and responsibilities:
✅ Maintain accurate I-9 records for all employees.
✅ Know your legal boundaries—ICE agents may not enter private areas without a judicial warrant.
✅ Train your staff—employees are not required to speak to ICE or answer questions.
✅ Cooperate within legal limits, but protect your team and your space.
“Business owners can say no to a request to enter kitchens or private offices. They can say no to speaking with ICE. But they must produce I-9s when legally requested.”
Community Impact: Fear Is Spreading
These raids don’t happen in a vacuum. They ripple through families, schools, and neighborhoods. We’ve heard reports of children skipping school, patients avoiding clinics, and entire communities going silent out of fear of detention.
We believe in smart, fair, and humane enforcement of immigration law—not tactics that disrupt families and destabilize the local economy.
✅ How Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration Can Help
Whether you’re a business facing an ICE audit, or an employee unsure of your rights, we’re here to support you. Our team has extensive experience in:
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Community education and Know Your Rights sessions
📞 Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Let us help you prepare and protect your team. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
At Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration, we don’t just practice immigration law — we stand up for immigrant communities.