At Instawork, we know that nothing is more important than the safety, compliance, and operational continuity of your business. As trusted partners, we also understand that questions may arise about what to do in the event of an unexpected workplace visit from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Such visits are becoming increasingly more common, and as a result, we know it’s important for businesses to be prepared—and to know that Instawork takes compliance seriously.
Instawork’s commitment to compliance
Instawork is built on a foundation of trust and safety. We are deeply committed to complying with all applicable labor and immigration laws, and we require every Professional (“Pro”) on our platform to go through a vetting process before picking up a shift. This ensures that the businesses we support—like yours—can feel confident in the Pros they rely on.
Here’s how we prioritize the importance of proper documentation, identity verification, and work authorization for Pros on our platform:
- Thorough vetting from the start: When a new Pro creates a profile, they provide personal information including identification, work history, two references, and any relevant certifications.
- Skills-based screening: For specialized roles, Pros also complete in-app quizzes and phone-based assessments to ensure qualifications match the needs of your business.
- Background checks: Before working their first shift, every Pro undergoes a multi-step background check, including a Social Security Number trace, global watchlist search, criminal records review, and sex offender registry check.
- Advanced identity verification: Instawork uses identity verification tools, including facial recognition software and cross-references photographs with government-issued documents.
- Form I-9 compliance for W-2 Pros: All W-2 Pros complete the standard employment onboarding process with Advantage Workforce Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Instawork, which includes submitting a Form I-9 along with the required documentation as required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
If ICE shows up: general best practices
In the event that ICE arrives at your warehouse, we’ve pulled together best practices from available sources to help you quickly navigate and prepare for the visits. Here are a few general best practices to keep in mind:
- Document the encounter: Keep a record of the agents’ names, badge numbers, the time and date of the visit, and any documentation provided.
- Stay calm and respectful: Always remain professional and cooperative. Ask to see official identification and determine the nature of the visit.
- Understand the warrant: ICE may present different types of warrants. You are not legally obligated to provide access to non-public areas of your facility without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants (Forms I-200 or I-205) do not grant this authority.
- Designate a Point of Contact (POC): Ensure your team knows who to notify and who is authorized to speak with ICE agents, such as your HR manager or legal counsel.
- Know your rights and responsibilities: Consult your legal counsel if you have questions on the appropriateness of their visit or what you should or shouldn’t let them have access to.
Instawork is here for you
We know that compliance concerns can feel daunting. That’s why Instawork is committed to maintaining the highest standards in worker vetting, documentation, and workplace practices. We’re here to help you staff with confidence—knowing that we review every Pro before they start their shift.
If you have any questions about our compliance practices or documentation protocols, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Instawork representative. Together, we can continue to build safe and productive workplaces that uplift businesses and workers alike.
