Episode 108: Protecting Your Workplace: ICE Visits & Handling Problem Employees

Episode 108 of Building Knowledge from the Building and Realty Institute delivers timely guidance for employers navigating today’s complex workplace challenges.Guest Matthew Persanis, Labor Counsel to The BRI and principal at Elefante and Persanis, LLP, breaks down what employers need to know if representatives from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrive at a worksite. The conversation covers the types of warrants employers may encounter, how to respond if officials refuse to leave, what to do if an employee is mistakenly detained, and recent examples of enforcement activity at worksites.The episode also tackles best practices for managing difficult employees. Persanis explains why thorough documentation is critical, the key differences between handling union and non-union employees, why union employers must approach terminations with caution, the importance of legal representation at informal hearings, and the biggest challenges currently facing New York employers.Practical, direct, and grounded in real-world experience—this episode is essential listening for employers who want to stay prepared, protected, and proactive.