A recent federal operation at a Hyundai factory in Georgia, resulting in nearly 500 arrests, has drawn national attention to a surge in worksite immigration enforcement. The raid — the largest of its kind in U.S. history — signals a clear shift toward high-impact enforcement actions under the current administration.
The Growing Trend
Since early 2025, large-scale operations have taken place across multiple states, including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, and Texas. These actions are part of a broader federal strategy to crack down on unauthorized employment following expanded enforcement funding through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Industries with high labor demand — agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, and construction — have felt the biggest impact. Many employers have reported severe staffing shortages after raids, while affected communities face family separations and economic disruption.
Compliance Confusion for Employers
The timing of these raids comes amid major policy changes, including the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations and humanitarian parole programs. These shifts have left employers uncertain about verifying work authorization for employees whose documents are tied to programs in transition.
Employers are urged to:
- Maintain accurate Form I-9 and E-Verify records;
- Confirm that HR staff understand how to respond to enforcement visits; and
- Contact legal counsel immediately if federal agents appear at the worksite.
NPZ Guidance
At NPZ Law Group, we encourage employers to focus on preventive compliance — not reactive panic. Internal I-9 audits, updated recordkeeping procedures, and clear employee communication can significantly reduce exposure during an investigation.
Our team assists businesses with I-9 audits, worksite inspection response planning, and ongoing DHS compliance guidance. For help reviewing your company’s policies, contact the NPZ immigration law team today.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.