Public Affairs Update
From Jordan Heiliczer, Director of Labor and Workforce Policy at the National Restaurant Association.
What just happened:
On Monday, DHS rescinded last week’s pause on immigration enforcement. During an agency-wide call, ICE field offices were directed to immediately resume worksite operations across all industries, including restaurants.
What the guidance says:
- The prior exemption for restaurants, farms, and hotels has been lifted.
- ICE and HSI agents are instructed to continue site-based investigations and operations.
- DHS emphasized that enforcement applies uniformly—no industry carveouts.
- ICE is under pressure to raise arrest targets from 2,000 to 3,000 per day.
What’s next:
- Field offices have resumed worksite enforcement activities nationwide.
- Employers should continue ensuring all hiring and documentation practices comply with federal law. For guidance, watch our NRA/Restaurant Law Center webinar.
- We’re working closely with officials across the Administration and Congress to shape immigration and enforcement policy that supports restaurant employers and protects long-serving workers.
