The attorneys at Monty & Ramirez have represented clients involved in the largest raids in U.S. history at different stages of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigations. We represent clients faced with Notices of Inspections (NOI) and ICE raids. The firm can effectively reduce a company's liability by implementing strategic policies and practices that address the workforce and I-9 issues of employers.

ICE is continuing to increase its investigations and assess penalties against employers, whether it is through errors on the I-9 or because the company hired someone who was an undocumented worker. Now is the time to voluntarily take initiative and with the firm's help, incorporate policies and procedures in line with ICE's Best Hiring Practices.

In addition to conducting an I-9 audit to identify and resolve any errors associated with the proper completion of the Form I-9, the firm can analyze an employer's workforce through its Onsite Anti-Identity Theft (OAT) initiative. Monty & Ramirez created the OAT initiative for clients who want a well-rounded immigration policy. Through OAT, companies are trained to identify individuals who may be using stolen identities, and are trained on the proper way to respond to identity theft scenarios. Our training of company employees on the OAT initiative has allowed employers to establish a good faith defense. We help companies create a methodical and orderly plan for termination of individuals using stolen identities for work.

Firm Strengths

• Represent employers with ICE notice of inspections and immigration raids
• I-9 and immigration compliance auditing
• Implementation of immigration best practices and policies
• Representation of employer prior to and during ICE enforcement actions
• Implementation of E-verify and I-9 oversight

Prepare for ICE with a Monty & Ramirez Form I-9 Audit
Monty & Ramirez is ready to assist companies by conducting Mock I-9 Audits™ in preparation for increased audits and enforcement from ICE. All companies must redouble their efforts to ensure that all I-9's are completed properly and hired personnel are trained in IRCA compliance.

There are several advantages to a form I-9 review:

• Businesses will be prepared should an actual I-9 worksite inspection befall them.
• Businesses have a chance to correct I-9 issues before being fined or penalized.
• Conducting an external audit by an independent professional firm is an excellent way for a company to demonstrate its "good faith intent" to comply with the law.
• Conducting a form I-9 review is a "best practice" recommendation by ICE's mutual agreement between government and employers.
• An external audit can diminish the potential fine a company faces or reduce it all together.

The Notice of Inspection
Monty & Ramirez has experience representing employers who are the subject of ICE enforcement actions, including employers who received a Notice of Inspection (NOI). A NOI is an indication of an ICE investigation, and is notification to the company that they have 72 hours in which to hand over to ICE the company's I-9s, recent payroll records and other company information. ICE uses the NOI to assess both civil and criminal penalties against employers and to disqualify both businesses and individuals from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits. Employers should expect ICE to continue issuing NOIs until 2014.

Employers Rights and the Notice of Inspection
Employers have the right to produce the I-9s within a 72 hour period. Do NOT waive that 72 hour period. Instead, contact Monty & Ramirez or other legal counsel immediately to review the I-9s for any potential violations and to correct any deficiencies found with the I-9s. By using the 72 hour period to self-inspect the I-9s before producing them to ICE, employers can reduce their liability.