July 1 , 2009

WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is launching a bold, new audit
initiative today by issuing Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to 652 businesses nationwide – which is
more than ICE issued throughout all of last fiscal year. The notices alert business owners that ICE
will be inspecting their hiring records to determine whether or not they are complying with
employment eligibility verification laws and regulations. Inspections are one of the most powerful
tools the federal government has to enforce employment and immigration laws. This new initiative
illustrates ICE’s increased focus on holding employers accountable for their hiring practices and
efforts to ensure a legal workforce.

“ICE is committed to establishing a meaningful I-9 inspection program to promote compliance with
the law. This nationwide effort is a first step in ICE’s long-term strategy to address and deter illegal
employment,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE John Morton.
Employers are required to complete and retain a Form I-9 for each individual they hire for
employment in the United States. This form requires employers to review and record the individual’s
identity document(s) and determine whether the document(s) reasonably appear to be genuine and
related to the individual.

The 652 businesses being presented with a NOI today for a Form I-9 audit have been selected for
inspection as a result of leads and information obtained through other investigative means. Due to
the ongoing, law enforcement sensitive nature of these audits, the names and locations of the
businesses will not be released at this time.

In FY 2008, ICE issued 503 similar notices throughout the year. In April, ICE implemented a new,
comprehensive strategy to reduce the demand for illegal employment and protect employment
opportunities for the nation’s lawful workforce. Under this strategy, ICE is focusing its resources on
the auditing and investigation of employers suspected of cultivating illegal workplaces by knowingly
employing illegal workers. The nationwide initiative being launched today is a direct result of this
new strategy.

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