ICE Visits and I-9 Compliance Guidance

Over the past week, several restaurants in DC were visited by federal agents. These visits were not raids, and, to our knowledge, no employees were detained or arrested inside of a restaurant. Rather, they were formal Notice of Inspection (NOI) visits, part of a nationwide relaunch of federal worksite enforcement efforts. In some cases, ICE agents were accompanied by representatives from other federal agencies. The purpose of these visits was to notify businesses of upcoming I-9 audits.

Here’s what we know to be true:

These were administrative visits, not enforcement actions.
Agents legally issued Notices of Inspection, requiring submission of I-9 forms within three business days.
No arrests or detainments have occurred at any restaurant during these visits.
This initiative is part of a broader national effort that is expected to continue in DC and other major cities, across multiple industries.

We recognize that rumors and misinformation have been circulating. RAMW has taken the time to confirm facts, consult with stakeholders, and provide you with clear, informed guidance. We’ve also been in direct communication with Mayor Bowser, MPD Chief Smith, and the National Restaurant Association to ensure coordination, situational awareness, and a unified understanding of how these visits are unfolding.

Read the full statement Resources

Statement from Shawn Townsend, President & CEO of RAMW

Statement in Response to the Mayor's Announcement in Support of the Repeal of Initiative 82

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington thanks Mayor Bowser for standing with restaurant operators, workers, and diners by supporting the repeal of Initiative 82. Her leadership reflects a clear understanding of the urgent and present challenges our industry is facing and the immediate action required to preserve it.

Let us be clear — repealing Initiative 82 is about saving jobs, saving restaurants, and stabilizing a vital sector of the District’s economy. Restaurants are cornerstones of our communities.

Yet nearly 70% of them have already been forced to cut hours and lay off staff. In 2024 alone, the city saw a record 74 closures. The consequences of inaction are not hypothetical — they’re happening now.

We urge the DC Council to join us and support the repeal of Initiative 82. The industry is at a breaking point. Immediate relief is needed. The time to lead is now.

The RAMMYS Public Voting

Vote For Your Favorite Restaurants

Vote for your favorite restaurants in 4 fun categories that brought you joy, delicious food and drink, great ambiance, and good times over the past year!

The Public Voting period is from 9 am, May 1, through 5 pm, May 31, 2025.

View Finalists Cast Your Vote

The RAMMYS 2025

RAMMYS Season is Here!

Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMYS honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the Washington, DC, region’s restaurant and foodservice community.

Join us for a full season of celebrating excellence at our RAMMYS events

View the 2025 Finalists
July 1 - The RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception
August 3 - The RAMMYS Awards & Gala

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Training, Workshops, & Seminars

RAMW is your comprehensive training resource, from industry-required certifications to industry-specific workshops.

ServSafe classes, exams, technical assistance seminars, and workshops are FREE for DC residents, restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality businesses through September 30, 2025.

Learn More ServSafe Sign Up TWWF Sign Up

Statement on Mayor's Support to Repeal Initiative 82

Immigration Resources ServSafe Training The RAMMYS

Join RAMW

RAMW membership provides DC Area restaurateurs and allied businesses legislative and regulatory representation, important resources for your business, and industry-specific communications, programming, marketing support, and events.

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