Ensuring that workers are legally able to work in the U.S. and are properly documented is important for every agribusiness, whether it is a processing plant, a dairy or an orchard, according to two Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists.

In recent years, the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted audits and raids at dairies, slaughter plants and other agribusinesses.

“Whether an ICE audit or raid occurs at a traditional agriculture business such as a dairy or produce farm or at an urban business, the impacts can cripple a business,” said Dr. Ellen Jordan, Texas AgriLife Extension dairy specialist in Dallas, Texas. “In animal agriculture, if employees are lost or quit out of fear, it might be difficult in the short term to take proper care of the animals. For produce farms and fruit orchards, crops might rot in the field when insufficient numbers of workers are available.”

Jordon joined forces with Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist in Amarillo, Texas, to write a new publication to help those in the agriculture industry deal with the issue.

Jordan and Lashmet said compliance with immigration laws is critical for all businesses, since “knowingly hiring” someone unauthorized to work in the U.S. is illegal and can result in legal fees, fines and prison time and could threaten the survival of the a business.

ICE audits and raids are two different events, and employers should understand the differences and their rights with regard to both.

“For example, an ICE audit will generally involve a notice of inspection rather than a search warrant, and an employer has three business days to comply with the documents requested,” Lashmet explained. “On the other hand, an ICE raid will involve a search warrant, and agents will likely demand that information identified in the warrant be provided immediately.”

Lashmet said the key to surviving an ICE raid or audit is to be prepared for such an incident before it occurs. She recommends having company policies and procedures in place to ensure that every employee knows what to do in the event that an ICE agent comes knocking.

“This is particularly critical on a dairy, where cows do not like their daily routines changed,” Jordan indicated. “The procedures should also include biosecurity measures to protect the health of the cows.”

Additionally, it is critical for all employers to comply with the rules governing an Employment Eligibility Form, or I-9. “Ensuring a company has its Form I-9s complete and in compliance with the law is the best defense to claims of knowingly hiring illegal workers,” Lashmet said.

To make sure a business is ready for an audit, she suggested conducting an internal audit through an outside human resource consultant or an attorney. These internal audits review information and check compliance, just as an ICE audit would do.

In the event that corrective measures are needed, employers would have the chance to seek additional information from employees and ensure compliance before an actual audit ever occurred.

Other tips offered in the publication state that employers should:

“Ensuring compliance with immigration laws, being prepared in the event an audit or raid occurs and understanding one’s rights is critical for all businesses to ensure success and survival,” Lashmet said.

The publication -- “The Difference between an ICE Raid & an ICE Audit: Are You Prepared?” -- can be downloaded from the AgriLife Bookstore at http://bit.ly/2iEwwLc.