Roofers supporting community during immigration uncertainty

By Dani Sheehan. 

As immigration enforcement actions unfold in California, the roofing industry is standing in solidarity with its workforce – advocating for legal clarity, fair treatment and the stability of the communities in which they live and work. 

As peaceful protests continue in Los Angeles, California, following recent immigration enforcement actions, members of the roofing industry are standing in solidarity with workers and families affected by the raids. Among the voices speaking out was Cliff Smith, business manager of Roofers Local 36, who addressed the crowd at a rally on June 9, 2025, in support of detained SEIU United Service Workers West president and respected labor leader David Huerta.  

Amid increasingly polarized news coverage and heightened public response, this article focuses on how recent immigration enforcement actions are affecting the roofing industry – why these events matter and how you can stay informed, compliant and prepared if/when enforcement reaches your job site or business.  

Why workforce stability matters 

On June 6, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted multiple raids in California, including one targeting day laborers at a Home Depot parking lot and another at the Ambiance Apparel clothing manufacturer. The operations led to the detention of over 40 individuals, some of whom, like David Huerta, are reportedly legal U.S. citizens. 

These events have raised alarm across industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor — including roofing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 55% of roofing workers identify as Hispanic or Latino, making it one of the most Latino-represented trades in construction. A significant portion of these workers are immigrants — many of whom have lived and worked in the U.S. for years, contributing consistently to the local economy and the roofing workforce. 

At this year’s Roofing Day in D.C., the industry came together to advocate for practical solutions to workforce shortages, including immigration reform. One key proposal, the bipartisan Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act, would create an H-2C visa program that connects willing employers with legal, temporary workers to meet labor demand — offering flexibility during times of economic growth and reinforcing compliance through use of the E-Verify system. It represents a step toward stability in an industry already under pressure from labor shortages. 

Navigating enforcement: Compliance and preparation 

While political opinions may vary, the legal reality remains the same: employers must be prepared for potential ICE inspections. Legal experts like Trent Cotney, partner at Adams and Reese LLP, emphasize that preparation and education are essential.  

Contractors are encouraged to: 

• Create a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling ICE visits 
• Maintain proper documentation, including I-9 forms, separate from other employee files 
• Understand the difference between administrative and judicial warrants 
• Train supervisors and workers on their rights and responsibilities 
• Use signage to clearly define job sites as private property 

“Knowing your rights and following the law are not mutually exclusive,” Trent explained in a recent Coffee Conversations®. “You can cooperate with enforcement while also ensuring that neither your workers nor your company are taken by surprise.” 

A call for legal clarity and workforce solutions 

Labor leaders like Cliff Smith and David Huerta have long advocated for immigrant workers and their families – people who are integral to the construction and various industries across the U.S. Their involvement in peaceful protests highlights their concern for protecting the livelihoods of workers who are part of their union, their crews and their communities. 

The Los Angeles community’s response to these raids is a reminder that immigration policy has a lasting effect on job sites, families and businesses. As a community and as an industry, we need to continue to advocate for clarity. For policies that address labor shortages without upending lives. For enforcement that respects legal boundaries and workers’ rights. 

Contractors are encouraged to stay informed, train your teams and take advantage of legal resources available through organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), which offers guidance on compliance and employee protections. 

Just as importantly, you can make a difference by staying engaged in policy discussions and reaching out to your elected representatives. Your voice matters when it comes to shaping practical, balanced immigration solutions that support a stable workforce and a strong roofing industry. 

As the immigration conversation continues, we can remain focused on what our industry does best: coming together, showing up for each other and staying committed to the work that keeps roofs over our heads.