January 13, 2025 – Reger Rizzo & Darnall, LLP (RRD) attorneys are encouraging businesses to prepare for a visit from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) once President-elect Donald Trump takes office next week. There was a drastic increase in audits and worksite inspections during the first Trump administration and we expect the same during the second. Given the short turnaround time for an investigation, it is recommended that employers review their files and put procedures for addressing the audits in place in case documents need to be presented on short notice.

RRD Immigration attorney Mandi B. Bucceroni advises employers to be prepared and have a plan of action regarding all employees. “It is vital to have all required hiring paperwork prepared and ready to present to investigators should they ask. Fines for errors have increased substantially and are charged per error, per form,” says Bucceroni. “The best way to prepare for this is to have an action plan and a point person assigned to handle questions and investigations should the need arise.”

According to RRD Employment attorney Robert W. Small, the key to avoiding problems is to make sure employees are lawfully allowed to work in the United States, which includes having the appropriate supporting documentation to accompany the required I-9 form. “The consequences for hiring someone who isn’t legally allowed to work in the United States can be severe, including imprisonment for the employer of up to six months or a fine of $3,000 per worker and up to five years for making false statements or using fraudulent documents,” says Small.

During President Trump’s previous presidency, Bucceroni handled numerous HSI investigations, in addition to providing training on I-9 compliance and other worksite compliance issues. For more information on preparing for an investigation and worksite compliance issues, please contact Mandi Bucceroni at mbucceroni@regerlaw.com.

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For more than 30 years, Reger Rizzo & Darnall has been committed to providing dedicated, aggressive, and practical legal advice to individuals, small businesses, charitable and non-profit organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. With seven offices in five states and more than 50 attorneys, the firm provides services across a wide range of practice areas, including business services, commercial litigation, real estate, estates and trusts, employment, insurance coverage, and utilities. The firm was recently named to The Legal Intelligencer’s Watch List in recognition of its continued growth and national reach.