ICE confirms immigration sweeps in Northern California

Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed Tuesday that it has conducted immigration sweeps in Northern California since Sunday, arresting 150 individuals in several Bay Area cities including San Francisco, Bay Point, Sacramento and Stockton. The raids come less than two weeks after a sweep that targeted the Los Angeles area and resulted in the detention of 100 individuals.

In January, California implemented a “sanctuary state” law that limits local and state law enforcement cooperation with federal authorities on immigration enforcement. Another state statute that took effect in January, the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, restricts employers from voluntarily giving federal immigration enforcement officials access to their premises or to employee records.

BAL Analysis: California employers should be aware of the increased ICE activity. Employers are encouraged to review their compliance with Form I-9 requirements. BAL can assist in conducting a review and compliance audit of employers’ Form I-9 employment eligibility verification policies and practices.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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