Hosted by Congressman Mike Thompson and the One Napa Valley Initiative, the recent Immigration Roundtable in Yountville brought together community leaders and employers to discuss how Napa Valley businesses can protect and support their immigrant employees.
Immigrants are a vital part of Napa Valley’s economy and community. According to a 2012 study, immigrants account for up to $1 billion of Napa County’s annual GDP, representing nearly one-third of the local workforce and 73% of those employed in agriculture.
Local Organizations Leading the Way
The discussion was co-hosted by One Napa Valley Initiative, a collaboration between four local nonprofits providing critical immigration services:
- Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA)
- UpValley Family Centers
- Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center
- On the Move
Together, these organizations have helped thousands of residents access legal services, citizenship workshops, and “Know Your Rights” trainings. From 2013 to 2025 alone, 2,678 people in Napa County became U.S. citizens through these programs.
For more information and employer training, visit Napa Valley Together.
What Employers Should Know
Employers play an essential role in ensuring that their workplaces remain safe, lawful, and supportive for all employees. The panelists shared practical steps that every Napa Valley employer can take:
1. Understand Employees’ Legal Rights
Under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution:
- 4th Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. ICE agents need a judicial warrant to enter private areas.
- 5th Amendment: Grants the right to remain silent and not hand over documents without proper authorization.
- 6th Amendment: Guarantees the right to seek legal counsel.
Employers are encouraged to educate staff on these rights and to practice calm, consistent responses in case of enforcement activity.
2. Clearly Mark Public and Private Spaces
Only public areas (like tasting rooms or front offices) can be entered without a judicial warrant. Private spaces such as staff areas, warehouses, or production facilities should be clearly marked with signage such as “Private: Staff Only.”
3. Implement Safety and Access Protocols
- Restrict access to certain areas with keys or key cards.
- Install cameras to monitor entry points.
- Train staff on how to respond if approached by ICE agents.
- Designate a point person to communicate with officers while others follow internal safety procedures.
Creating and rehearsing an action plan provides relief and confidence for staff, ensuring clarity, calm, and consistency during any situation.
4. Avoid Panic—Respond Thoughtfully
If immigration enforcement arrives without a valid judicial warrant, employers have the right to deny access and document the interaction. Staff should never run, as it can escalate the situation.
Building a Supportive Community
Congressman Thompson and local leaders emphasized that supporting immigrant employees is not only a legal responsibility—it’s a reflection of Napa Valley’s shared values.
“These are our neighbors. These are our friends. These are [who] our kids and grandkids grow up with,” said Congressman Thompson.
By staying informed and proactive, Napa Valley employers can help ensure that all workers feel safe, respected, and valued.
Resources
- Napa Valley Together – napavalleytogether.org
- Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) – iibayarea.org
- UpValley Family Centers – upvalleyfamilycenters.org
- Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center – puertasabiertasnapa.org
- On the Move – onthemovebayarea.org
- North Bay Rapid Response Hotline: 707-800-4544 (24-hour line to report ICE activity)
Building a Supportive Workplace
Employers play an essential role in ensuring that their workplaces remain safe, lawful, and supportive for all employees. The panelists emphasized that local organizations do not just provide information—they can work directly with businesses to create workplace policies and action plans tailored to each location.
For guidance, employers can reach out to:
- Napa Valley Together – offers training, policy development, and workshops to help protect immigrant employees.
- Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) – provides legal guidance and can assist employers in implementing effective procedures.
By partnering with these organizations, businesses can establish clear protocols for staff, mark private vs. public spaces, implement access controls, and ensure everyone knows their rights—helping employees feel safe and supported while maintaining compliance with the law.
The Yountville Chamber of Commerce thanks Congressman Mike Thompson and all participating organizations for their continued dedication to protecting and empowering our Napa Valley workforce.
Congressman Thompson’s office can be contacted here.
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