Surprise I-9 audits and worksite inspections are becoming more frequent, particularly in industries such as hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, retail, and manufacturing sectors historically targeted for worksite enforcement and now under heightened scrutiny due to expanded manpower and AI‑driven analytics. The federal government is now using RAVEN, an AI system that analyzes I‑9s, payroll data, and audit trails to flag even minor errors. With ICE staffing expected to grow from 6,000 to 16,000 agents by 2029, employers should expect more algorithm‑driven investigations, faster follow‑up on leads, and a sharp increase in unannounced audits and site visits.
Top Focus This Month
- Heightened DHS/ICE Scrutiny
- Federal reviews continue to emphasize electronic I‑9 system integrity, audit trails, and document examination practices. Employers should ensure their workflows meet audit‑grade standards and reflect consistent, well‑documented procedures.
- E‑Verify Data Integrity
- Timely case creation, proper closure, and complete supporting documentation remain critical. Inconsistent case handling is still one of the most common findings in federal audits.
- Remote Verification Requirements
- With remote document inspection now a permanent option for qualified employers, HR teams must confirm that their chosen inspection method, remote or in‑person is compliant, consistently applied, and fully documented.
- Reverification & Expiring Documents
- Monitor upcoming expirations for TPS, DACA, and other time‑limited work authorization categories. Proactive reverification protects employers from both late updates and discriminatory practices.
- External I‑9 and E-Verify Audits
- A structured I-9 and E-Verify audit is one of the most effective risk‑mitigation tools available. Employers should routinely review existing I‑9s for missing forms, incomplete fields, outdated editions, reverification gaps, and correction needs. A disciplined audit process supported by clear correction protocols significantly reduces exposure during an enforcement action.
JDP Compliance Call‑to‑Action
Strengthen your compliance posture before enforcement arrives. JDP’s I‑9 and E‑Verify specialists can conduct a focused review of your current practices, identify vulnerabilities, and deliver clear, defensible recommendations tailored to your workflows. A proactive assessment today helps ensure every record and process stands up to federal scrutiny tomorrow.