ICE Ramps Up I-9 Audits: Utah HR Offices Face Monthly Inspections Amid 5,200-Notice Blitz

A Utah immigration attorney reports a sharp rise in ICE/HSI employer inspections, with agents serving 72-hour notices for I-9s, payroll and HR records and levying six-figure fines for clerical errors. The local uptick aligns with ICE’s recent two-phase nationwide push delivering more than 5,200 Notices of Inspection, signaling a broader worksite enforcement emphasis. Employers in industries like construction are on alert, though industry groups report limited overt concern so far. The activity spans multiple administrations but appears to be intensifying in Utah, according to the attorney’s caseload.