U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), is managing a voluntary collaborative program with America’s business community. IMAGE (ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers) is a mutually beneficial initiative that will provide businesses enhanced security, a more stable workforce, and minimize the likelihood of hiring unauthorized workers.

ICE is responsible for enforcement of the nation’s immigration and customs laws. Many unauthorized workers have secured jobs by fraudulent means, including; presentation of false documents, completion of fraudulent benefit applications, and theft of identities. By enhancing and improving existing hiring practices, IMAGE participants will, in essence, be assisting in the effort to combat illegal activity and enhance national security.

IMAGE business partners will benefit from program participation in many ways. One of the first steps for IMAGE members is enrollment in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify Program. This system allows human resource personnel to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees, thus minimizing the chances of hiring unauthorized workers and ensuring a safer and more secure company workforce. As part of IMAGE, ICE will provide education and training in the areas of proper hiring procedures, fraudulent document detection, and anti-discrimination procedures. Additionally, upon enrollment and implementation of suggested best practices, ICE will deem the employment practices of participants in this national endeavor “IMAGE Certified”. ICE is confident that this “branding” will become an industry standard and businesses will look to their sub-contractors, vendors, suppliers and competitors to ascertain if they too are making every effort to comply with the law and enhance national security.