What to do if I.C.E. Shows Up

Workplace Preparedness & Employee Guidance: Immigration Enforcement

When Immigration & Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) or other immigration officers show up at your office or job site, it can be stressful, confusing, and highly disruptive. Front-desk staff, project administrators, and firm leaders are often put on the spot to make fast decisions about access, documents, and employee questions, without clear guidance on what they are actually required to do.

In this BPE session, immigration attorneys Abtin Bahador and Jeng-Ya Chen from Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC will walk through practical, real-world scenarios tailored to AEC firms. They will explain what a lawful visit looks like, how to spot valid legal documents (such as warrants), and how to respond calmly and confidently while protecting both your firm and your people.  This training is intended to help employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities if they encounter immigration enforcement activity in or around the workplace. The session will focus on practical information, safety considerations, and establishing office protocols. The training is designed to be informational and respectful, and participation is meant to support employers to prepare response plans. Resources will be shared for those who may need additional support.

We’ll also include a brief refresher on I-9 compliance so you can double-check that your files, processes, and internal roles are set up to reduce risk long before an officer ever appears at your door.

Note: This session will provide general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Participants should consult their own legal counsel for guidance on specific situations.

What You’ll Learn

• How to respond if I.C.E. or immigration officers arrive at your office or an active job site
• The difference between various types of legal documents (Judicial warrants v Administrative notices) and what they do—and do not—authorize
• What information you are legally required to provide, and what you are not obligated to share on the spot
• Practical steps to prepare your front desk, field staff, and managers for unannounced visits
• Key I-9 compliance basics and common pitfalls AEC firms should avoid
• How to document and follow up after an I.C.E. or immigration-related visit

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for AEC administrative and operations professionals, including:

• Office Managers and Firm Administrators
• HR Managers and HR Support Staff
• Project and Construction Administrators
• Operations and Compliance Managers
• Principals, Studio/Department Leaders, and anyone responsible for staffing or job site operations

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 12pm-1pm (Pacific)
• Duration: 1 Hour
• Platform: Virtual via Zoom
• Cost: $0 for SDA PNW members | $10 for SDA members of other Chapters | $20 for Non-Members

Register / purchase tickets via the link below. One registration per location (within the same office). Attendees of the live event will receive a Certificate of Attendance and access to the recording. (SDA focus area: HR / Office Administration) Please note: Cancellations within 1–3 days of the event and no-shows are not eligible for a refund. If registration is closed, this session may be full.

Meet the Presenters:

Abtin Bahador – Attorney, Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC

Abtin advises employers and beneficiaries on a wide range of business immigration matters, including visa strategy, compliance, and permanent residence processes such as EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 petitions. He has particular experience supporting entrepreneurs with E-1 and E-2 visas and guiding healthcare organizations and professionals through complex immigration pathways, including J-1 waivers, Schedule A petitions, and Physician National Interest Waivers. Before joining Ryan Swanson, he represented technology companies, Fortune 500 corporations, and major healthcare systems in high-stakes immigration matters.

Jeng-Ya  Chen – Attorney, Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC

Jen focuses her practice on business and family-based immigration, helping individuals and employers navigate a wide range of temporary work visas and employment-based permanent residence options. She regularly advises on O-1, H-1B, E-3, TN, L-1, E-2, and P-1 visas, as well as PERM labor certifications and immigrant petitions for individuals of extraordinary ability and national interest waivers. Jen brings experience from judicial externships and boutique immigration practices in both California and Washington.