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TNLA is the ONLY statewide association lobbying on behalf of the entire Texas green industry. Our association and lobbyist engage directly with the state legislature and agencies, advocating to protect and promote our members. We coordinate opportunities for our members to engage with Congress, federal agencies, and local cities & counties. Join TNLA members from across the state at the Texas Capitol for TNLA Legislative Day or multiple Advocacy Fly-ins to D.C
Helpful Resources: ICE Enforcement Actions & Employer Preparedness CLICK HERE
We want to bring to your attention reports of increased immigration enforcement actions, including ICE raids, happening nationwide. While there is no confirmed evidence of widespread employer-based raids at this time, the situation remains fluid and rapidly evolving. Misinformation and rumors are circulating, so we encourage you to rely on credible sources and verified updates. As an employer in the green industry, it is crucial to ensure your business remains prepared and compliant with federal and state employment laws.
Key Steps for Employers:
✔ Review I-9 Compliance: Ensure all employee records are up to date and properly completed. Audits can happen at any time, and maintaining accurate documentation is critical.
✔ Know Your Rights & Responsibilities: Employers must follow federal employment laws while also avoiding discriminatory hiring or firing practices.
✔ Have a Plan in Place: If ICE visits your business, designate a point of contact, understand what documents they may request, and consult legal counsel immediately.
✔ Seek Reliable Guidance: TNLA encourages members to work with immigration and employment law professionals to ensure compliance and preparedness.
Understanding Employer Rights and Obligations: What You Need to Know if ICE Knocks on Your Door
With increased immigration enforcement, it is crucial for employers to understand their rights and responsibilities when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrives. Below is a summary of key guidelines to keep in mind:
ICE Worksite Raids & Employer Response
It is highly recommended that businesses provide Know Your Rights training for employees, particularly regarding ICE worksite raids. Employees should be aware of their rights, including:
📌 What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration
Additional Steps for Individuals and Families
If you are over 18, you should carry your immigration papers with you at all times. The National Immigration Resource Center also recommends:
Everyone living in the United States has rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of residency status:
TNLA is closely tracking these developments and will provide updates as needed. If you have questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out [email protected] or call 512-579-3851
Key Steps for Employers:
✔ Review I-9 Compliance: Ensure all employee records are up to date and properly completed. Audits can happen at any time, and maintaining accurate documentation is critical.
✔ Know Your Rights & Responsibilities: Employers must follow federal employment laws while also avoiding discriminatory hiring or firing practices.
✔ Have a Plan in Place: If ICE visits your business, designate a point of contact, understand what documents they may request, and consult legal counsel immediately.
✔ Seek Reliable Guidance: TNLA encourages members to work with immigration and employment law professionals to ensure compliance and preparedness.
Understanding Employer Rights and Obligations: What You Need to Know if ICE Knocks on Your Door
With increased immigration enforcement, it is crucial for employers to understand their rights and responsibilities when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrives. Below is a summary of key guidelines to keep in mind:
ICE Worksite Raids & Employer Response
- Public Areas: ICE agents can enter public areas of a business, but they do not have the authority to stop, question, or arrest individuals at will. Employees encountering ICE agents in public spaces have the right to remain silent and request an attorney.
- Private Areas: ICE agents cannot enter private areas of your business without a valid judicial warrant. A valid warrant must be signed by a judge and specifically name the location to be searched. Administrative warrants (such as DHS Forms I-200 or I-205) do not grant ICE access to private areas. If ICE presents a warrant, request a copy and verify its validity before allowing entry.
- During a Search: If ICE has a valid search warrant, monitor agents to ensure they stay within the warrant's scope. Do not voluntarily provide access to records beyond what the warrant specifies. Attorney-client privileged materials should not be handed over without legal consultation.
- Arrests or Detentions: If ICE presents a judicial arrest warrant, you must comply. However, if ICE presents an administrative warrant (not signed by a judge), you are not legally required to provide access to employees or disclose their whereabouts. Employees have the right to remain silent and request an attorney.
- If notified of a Form I-9 audit, contact legal counsel immediately.
- Employers typically have three business days to provide I-9 forms to ICE.
- If ICE identifies employees without valid work authorization, you will have 10 days to correct documentation or remove affected employees from payroll.
- Employers should never engage in discriminatory practices or terminate employees without following proper procedures.
It is highly recommended that businesses provide Know Your Rights training for employees, particularly regarding ICE worksite raids. Employees should be aware of their rights, including:
- The right to remain silent and request an attorney.
- The right to refuse answering questions without legal representation.
- The importance of staying calm and not fleeing during an ICE encounter, as sudden movements could be misinterpreted and lead to legal consequences.
📌 What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration
Additional Steps for Individuals and Families
If you are over 18, you should carry your immigration papers with you at all times. The National Immigration Resource Center also recommends:
- Gather important documents for all family members showing how long each one has been in the United States. This can include birth certificates, U.S. income tax returns, utility bills, leases, school records, medical records, or bank records. Store copies in a secure online folder or location accessible by phone.
- Identify your emergency contacts, memorize their phone numbers, and ensure they can access all necessary documents.
- Memorize your immigration number ("A" number) and ensure family members or emergency contacts know it to locate you if detained.
- Provide your child’s school or daycare with an emergency contact authorized to pick up your child in case you are detained.
- Inform loved ones that if you are detained by ICE, they can try to locate you using ICE’s Online Detainee Locator with your date of birth and country of origin. Click HERE
- If detained, you, your family, or emergency contacts can contact the local ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office to initiate an ICE Case Review. Find your local ERO office here.
- Avoid sharing worries and preparations on social media, email, or non-secure messaging applications.
Everyone living in the United States has rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of residency status:
- You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration status with police or immigration agents.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent asks for your papers, you must present them if you have them with you. Otherwise, you may remain silent or request a lawyer.
- You may refuse an immigration agent’s request to search you unless they have probable cause.
- Customs officers can ask about your immigration status when entering or leaving the U.S. Lawful permanent residents must establish their identity and residency, but refusal to answer other questions may delay entry.
TNLA is closely tracking these developments and will provide updates as needed. If you have questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out [email protected] or call 512-579-3851
89th Legislative Session- Key Bills and Topics We Support
Key Bills We Support
1. A Texas-Sized Investment in Water Infrastructure
SJR 66 by Senator Perry and HJR 7 by Rep. Harris
Texas’ ongoing water challenges impact our industry at every level, from nursery production to landscape irrigation. TNLA members are committed to water conservation and efficiency, and we have been actively advocating for increased state investment in water infrastructure.
This session, both the House and Senate budgets propose investing $2.5 billion in water infrastructure. Additionally, Senator Perry and Rep. Harris have proposed constitutional amendments that would dedicate an additional $1 billion per year in existing tax revenue to fund water projects.
TNLA strongly supports a Texas-sized investment in our water future because it is essential to: Support existing and future economic growth Secure jobs and business stability Strengthen Texas’ resilience to drought
2. Right to Farm: Strengthening Protections for Agricultural Businesses
HB 1964 by Rep. Spiller and SB 1035 by Sen. Sparks
Despite the passage of the Right to Farm constitutional amendment in 2023, cities continue to enforce regulations that harm agricultural businesses and increase costs.
House Bill 1964 and Senate Bill 1035 would: Implement attorney fee provisions in the Right to Farm Act Allow farmers and ranchers to recover legal fees when challenging local overreach Prevent local interference that disrupts agricultural operations
3.Tax Fairness for Agriculture: Clarifying Farm Product Exemptions
HB 255 / HJR 31 – Rep. Guillen
Texas farmers and producers currently receive a property tax exemption on certain farm products, livestock, and equipment, but inconsistencies remain. Essential items used to begin production—such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides—are not exempt, adding unnecessary costs for producers and consumers.
HB 255 and HJR 31 would amend the state constitution to: Clarify the definition of "farm products" for tax purposes
Ensure farmers receive consistent exemptions Properly incentivize agricultural production in Texas
4. Pest and Disease Alerts: Keeping Texas Agriculture Informed
HB 1592 – Rep. Plesa
Protecting Texas agriculture from harmful pests and diseases is critical to the health of our industry. Quick, transparent communication helps limit the spread of threats and minimizes business disruptions.
HB 1592 would establish a statewide Agriculture Alert System, administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, to provide timely notifications about: Confirmed pest or disease outbreaks Quarantine updates Regulatory requirements for affected businesses
By keeping stakeholders informed and prepared, this system will safeguard Texas growers, retailers, and consumers from emerging agricultural threats.
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Key Topics We Support
1. Insurance Rates: Addressing Rising Costs
Skyrocketing insurance costs are a growing burden on Texas businesses. TNLA is working with the Lone Star Economic Alliance, a coalition focused on stopping abusive lawsuits that drive up costs for businesses.
We are urging the Legislature to restore fairness in the legal system to ensure frivolous lawsuits don’t raise insurance rates for hardworking Texans.
2. Credit Card Fees: Protecting Texas Businesses
TNLA is part of Texans Against Hidden Credit Card Fees, a coalition of small businesses, local merchants, and consumers working to address excessive and hidden credit card processing fees—also known as “swipe fees”—that cost Texas businesses and consumers over $10 billion annually.
This session, Texas is taking a first-of-its-kind approach to introduce competition and transparency in credit card processing. This legislation will: Protect small businesses from predatory swipe fees Ensure fairer financial practices Keep costs lower for Texas businesses and consumer
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2025 TNLA’s Legislative Day
Join Our Industry Leaders From Across Texas. Organize at the Texas Capitol. Engage Directly With Policymakers. Amplify Our Collective Voice.
Join Our Industry Leaders From Across Texas. Organize at the Texas Capitol. Engage Directly With Policymakers. Amplify Our Collective Voice.
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