How To Manage Immigration Enforcement Anxiety

It has been reported that there has been a rise in anxiety over the potential presence of immigration enforcement officers in Houston. We understand that these developments may cause concern within our industry so please know that we are here to support you.

Immigration enforcement can create complex legal and operational challenges for employers, and it’s crucial to have clear procedures in place to handle such situations appropriately and lawfully.

Below Are Some Best Practices That Could Guide Employers if ICE Agents Arrive at a Jobsite

Ask for Identification and a Warrant:

Politely request identification from the ICE agents and the purpose of their visit.
If they request access to the jobsite or company records, ask to see a warrant. Ensure the warrant is signed by a judge and describes the scope of the search or seizure.

Limit Access Without a Valid Warrant:

Without a judicial warrant, ICE agents do not have the right to enter non-public areas of a jobsite. Public areas (e.g., parking lots or lobbies) are typically accessible, but private areas require authorization.

Notify Key Personnel:

Inform the superintendent or project manager immediately.
If possible, delay ICE's entry until the company's legal counsel or HR representative can be present, similar to procedures for an OSHA inspection.

Do Not Provide Voluntary Information:

Employees should not obstruct ICE agents but also should not volunteer information or documents beyond what is legally required.
Ensure employees know to direct all inquiries to a designated company representative trained to handle such situations.

Train Employees:

Conduct training for employees and site supervisors on how to respond to ICE visits professionally and within legal boundaries.
Reassure employees of their rights and the company’s commitment to compliance.

Legal Counsel:

If ICE presents a warrant, contact your legal counsel immediately to review its validity and advise on compliance.

Please Click Below for Additional Resources:

Please stay tuned for additonal information and resources on this pressing matter.

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Apply Now for the AGC Houston Patrick J. Kiley Excellence in Leadership Scholarship
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

AGC Houston will be awarding the Patrick J. Kiley Excellence in Leadership Scholarship in the spring of 2025 to college-bound and university students who are majoring in a construction-related discipline.

In its 28th year, the AGC Houston scholarship program has awarded over 303 scholarships amounting to $783,000.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must pursue a degree relating to a career in construction.
Applicant must be an employee or dependent of an employee of an AGC Houston member firm or an AGC Student Chapter member.
Applicant must be enrolled in a college, university, or accredited training program
Current high school seniors and college students are eligible to apply.

The deadline to apply is January 31, 2025.
Click here to apply!

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Submissions Are Open for the 2024 AGC-TBB Outstanding Construction Awards

Calling all builders! Submit your top-notch projects for the 2024 AGC-TBB Outstanding Construction Awards! The deadline to apply is March 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. Only projects completed in 2024 are eligible to be submitted! Please contact Catherine Morgan (catherine.m@agchouston.org) or Pauline Preston (pauline@agctbb.org) for more information.

Please click here to submit your application!

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AGC Houston Partners With the Construction Industry Education Foundation for Its 2025 Design Build Competition

AGC Houston is excited to partner with the Construction Industry Education Foundation - Houston for its 2025 Design Build Competition on March 26th & 27th! This competition inspires high school students to explore careers in the construction industry, shaping the next generation of builders and innovators.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, this event is FREE for all participating students. Team sponsors are still needed to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate and discover pathways within the construction industry.

Please click here to sponsor today!

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Join the AGC Houston Construction Leadership Council for 2025

Are you interested in joining the AGC Houston Construction Leadership Council? The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is a national AGC initiative designed to address the needs of young professionals in the industry. To date, more than 95 chapters have established a CLC.

Through educational programs and events that focus on the professional development and leadership skills of the industry’s future leaders, the CLC offers members the opportunity to exchange ideas and to learn from experts about issues facing construction professionals. Individuals who are interested in personal growth, in their company growth, and in the construction industry are encouraged to apply.

We have a variety of amazing events planned for this year that you won't want to miss, including our CLC Golf Tournament, CLC Poker Tournament, CLC Cornhole Tournament, educational field trips/happy hours, and more! If you have any questions about joining, please contact Charlene Anthony at charlene.a@agchouston.org for more information.

$100 AGC Houston Member

$125 Non-AGC Houston Member

Click here to pay for 2025 CLC dues online!

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Do You or Someone You Know Want To Join the AGC Houston Women in

Construction Committee?

Calling all women in construction! Start the new year off right with the AGC Houston Women in Construction Committee! Enjoy exclusive savings on events, connect with other industry professionals, and discover everything our committee has to offer. Don’t miss out—join today!

Questions? Contact catherine.m@agchouston.org to learn more.

Click here to join today!