Jan. 26, 2026
By Ramie Parsons
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
KNOW THE LAW: Misty Wilson Borkowski, partner at Hall Booth Smith, P.C., and a leading practitioner in employment-based immigration for the agricultural industry, will speak during an upcoming webinar from the National Agricultural Law Center.
Fast Facts:
- Program to help agricultural employers prepare for ICE and DHS enforcement actions
- Webinar addresses employer rights, worksite inspections, raids, workforce preparedness
- Free registration available online
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.– The National Agricultural Law Center will host an upcoming free webinar, “Guarding the Gates: Ag Employer Readiness for ICE and DHS Actions,” on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, from noon-1 p.m. EST or 11 a.m. to noon CST.
As federal immigration enforcement increases at both the workplace and community level, agricultural operations face unique challenges due to their reliance on seasonal labor and, in some cases, mixed-status workforces.
“Whether managing a small family farm or a large, multi-state operation, agricultural employers must be prepared to respond quickly and lawfully to enforcement activity,” said Misty Wilson Borkowski, partner at Hall Booth Smith, P.C., and a leading practitioner in employment-based immigration for the agricultural industry.
“This webinar is designed to give employers practical tools to protect their workforce, maintain compliance and keep their operations running smoothly,” she said.
Borkowski will explain what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is legally permitted to do, the differences between administrative inspections and raids, and the rights of employers and workers during each type of encounter.
Participants will learn concrete, operational steps to reduce risk, including strengthening hiring and Form I-9 practices, assessing whether documents satisfy I-9 requirements, establishing internal protocols for unexpected government visits and communicating with workers in a manner that avoids panic or liability. The webinar will also address how to respond if ICE arrives at a field, packing shed, barn or housing site; how to manage the aftermath of an arrest or worksite action; and how to navigate legal options available to foreign workers.
“Misty brings extensive experience advising agricultural employers on workforce immigration issues, and this webinar will draw directly from that practical expertise,” said Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center.
To read the full news release, click here.