Hawaii employers should be aware that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is actively auditing local companies and checking to see if their required I-9 forms are in order.

ICE had announced late last year that it would be stepping up inspections of the I-9 forms retained by various businesses around the country. The agency also issued a fact sheet presenting an overview of its I-9 inspections, how it will determine fines, and the penalties for noncompliance. The increased audits are part of its Worksite Enforcement program aimed at deterring unauthorized workers being employed in “critical infrastructure” areas. For additional information on I-9 compliance see here.