Immigration enforcement activity can create ripple effects far beyond the headlines. For office managers in any industry, it’s important to recognize that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids and related activity may directly or indirectly impact your staff. Even if your team members are not personally targeted, fear and uncertainty can lead to sudden absenteeism, drops in morale, or even the need for emergency staffing plans.
Here’s how to prepare for—and respond to—these disruptions with both professionalism and compassion.
Understand the Risks
Immigration-related disruptions can come out of the blue. A team member may fail to show up after a raid in their community. Others may call in sick, afraid to leave family members alone. Some may be caring for children of detained relatives. Even employees with full work authorization may feel rattled or distracted by what’s happening around them.
As a manager, you don’t need to know everyone’s immigration status—and in many cases, it’s inappropriate or legally risky to ask. But you do need to be ready for how enforcement events can impact operations, team dynamics, and business continuity.
Create a Contingency Staffing Plan
Just as you plan for flu season or extreme weather, it’s smart to have a staffing contingency plan in case a portion of your team is suddenly unavailable. That may include:
- Cross-training employees so others can step in on critical tasks
- Maintaining a roster of temp agencies or part-time on-call workers
- Preparing SOPs (standard operating procedures) so others can easily pick up the workflow
- Establishing a clear chain of communication so you know quickly when someone won’t be in
Don’t wait for a crisis to test your flexibility.
Prioritize Clear and Calm Communication
During tense periods of immigration enforcement, your staff may feel scared, distracted, or unsure of what they can say. You can help by maintaining open communication, reassuring staff that your workplace is focused on safety, dignity, and respect for everyone.
Consider having a private check-in with affected employees, asking if there’s anything they need (without pressing for personal details). Offering flexibility with scheduling or time off—even on short notice—can go a long way toward building trust and keeping your team functioning.
Support Mental and Emotional Well-being
Even when no one is directly impacted, immigration raids in the community can be deeply unsettling. You may notice increased stress, decreased focus, or team members who seem anxious or withdrawn.
It’s a good time to remind everyone about any employee assistance programs (EAPs) your company offers. If you don’t have one, consider connecting with local organizations that support mental health or immigrant communities. A simple list of resources—shared quietly and respectfully—can show that management is paying attention and cares.
Don’t Wait to Train
Train your supervisors on how to handle sudden absences professionally and legally. For example, avoid speculation about why someone is out or discussing their situation with other staff. Reinforce a respectful tone across the workplace.
If your company hasn’t reviewed its policies around workplace rights during enforcement actions (such as what happens if ICE visits your office), this is a good time to consult legal counsel and update your procedures.
Foster a Culture That Can Withstand Disruption
Ultimately, offices that weather these storms best are those with a strong sense of teamwork and mutual support. Building a culture where employees look out for one another, understand each other’s roles, and know they can rely on management to lead calmly—this pays off when the unexpected happens.
Immigration raids may not be something you can predict or prevent, but you can absolutely prepare for the business impacts they cause. With the right plans in place, you’ll help protect your people, your operations, and your company’s values—all at the same time.