🧊 ICE on the Jobsite: What to Do When They Show Up

We’re not here to debate politics. We’re here to keep trucks rolling and crews working.

ICE is showing up again — and when they come, they don’t care how hard your driver works, how good your yard guy is, or how clean your toilets are. They come fast, they come quiet, and they can wipe out your crew in a day if you're not ready.

If you run a portable toilet or roll-off business, it’s time to tighten up.

⚖️ 1. Know What ICE Can and Can’t Do

ICE agents love acting like they own the place — but unless they have a judicial warrant (signed by a judge), they don’t.

Here’s what you do if ICE shows up:

• Stay calm. No yelling, no panic.

• Ask to see a warrant.

• Look for a judge’s signature (an ICE-issued “administrative” warrant doesn’t count).

• Don’t let them past the front office without that warrant.

• Take a picture of it. Call your lawyer.

Reminder: Public areas (like streets and parking lots) are fair game. Offices, breakrooms, and yards are not.

📁 2. Get Your I-9s in Order — Now

ICE doesn’t just raid — they audit too. And when they do, your I-9s better be tight.

Your checklist:

• Every employee must have a completed I-9.

• Don’t guess. Don’t backdate.

• Make sure re-verifications are done for expired work docs.

• Do a quiet internal audit now, not when you’re under pressure.

If something’s missing, fix it. And document that you’re correcting it in good faith.

🧍‍♂️ 3. Train Your Frontline — Especially the Dispatcher

If ICE walks in, who do they see first? Usually the dispatcher, receptionist, or someone in the office.

Train them to:

• Ask for ID and a warrant

• Call the owner or legal contact ASAP

• Say nothing more

No schedules. No addresses. No names. You’re not required to hand over anything unless it’s legally ordered.

🧠 4. Don’t Become the Immigration Police

Your job is to run a business — not to investigate your crew. Don’t assume anything. Don’t accuse anyone.

If ICE asks about an employee:

• Direct them to your legal contact.

• Do not volunteer info.

• Do not fire or discipline employees just because ICE asked questions.

🧾 5. Talk to Your Crew — Don’t Scare Them

Most of the people who keep our industry moving are immigrants. Some are here on work visas. Some are permanent residents. Some are undocumented. All of them deserve respect.

If ICE is active in your area:

• Let your crew know their rights.

• Hand out “Know Your Rights” cards (plenty of free ones online).

• Post them in the yard or breakroom — English and Spanish.

• Remind them: Don’t lie. Don’t run. Don’t sign anything without a lawyer.

🧱 Bottom Line: Be Prepared, Not Paranoid

Whether you’ve got 5 guys or 50, ICE can mess up your day fast. Protect your business by knowing the rules, having your paperwork in order, and treating your crew with the respect they’ve earned.

Don’t wait for a knock at the gate to get your act together.

Resources:

• 🔗 ICE: Employer I-9 Guidance

• 🔗 United We Dream – Know Your Rights (ENG/ESP)

• 🔗 National Immigration Law Center

📣 Got a Story or a Tip?
We want to hear how you’re handling this.
📧 Email us: stories@builtonwaste.com
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Stay legal. Stay smart. Stay Built on Waste.