Poll Results: Majority of Remodelers Have No Plan in Place for ICE Encounters

A recent poll conducted by Pro Remodeler asked remodelers to weigh in on the increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) inspections on job worksites and how, or if, they have any plans to ensure the safety and protection of their crews.

The sample size is 260 people who opted in to a poll sent by email to the Pro Remodeler mailing list. Results from the polls show an overall lack of concern or preparedness. 

When asked if they had seen or heard of any ICE activity in their area, more than half (53%) reported being aware of ICE activity. When asked about their level of concern regarding an ICE inspection/raid happening at their jobsite, only 42% were concerned.

When asked about their preparedness and if they had a plan in place for a potential ICE raid/inspection, less than a quarter of respondents reported that they did (24%).

The lack of preparedness despite the uptick in ICE activity seems to stem largely from crews feeling that they are under no risk. Based on the responses when asked about what steps they are taking to ensure their crews stay safe, many cited some variation of “We only hire legal citizens,” even as reports of ICE detaining and deporting legal U.S. citizens have become more common.

Others surveyed offered their own safety precautions, such as

• Keeping jobsites restricted to the general public
• Only allowing outside access when presented with a judge-signed warrant
• Following workplace safety and health requirements
• Collecting contact info of all employees in the event of any incidents
• Seeking legal advice
• Designating a single crew member as a point of contact with ICE
• Keeping crews educated and informed of their rights.

These results are part of a larger piece we are developing about jobsite safety in the wake of increasing ICE inspections.