USA 
United Kingdom
Domestic politics continues to impact people’s professional lives, with a Dallas-based attorney dismissed from his role after an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Clay Jackson, who was working as Litigation Counsel at Fortune 500 firm Fidelity National Financial (FNF), was approached by ICE agents at his home two days after advising the undocumented parents of a US citizen on their basic rights.
Jackson, who does not specialise in immigration law, had advised the family to secure pro bono legal representation from an immigration specialist.
Jackson was terminated from his position at FNF, a company that generated over $13 billion in revenue in 2024 through financial services such as title insurance and annuities.
Brief encounter escalates to federal attention
The situation began on March 4, when Jackson was approached by a gas station attendant who asked if he could assist a local family whose father had been swept up in an ICE workplace enforcement action.
Jackson visited the family later that day, offering guidance on their legal rights if detained and vowing to help them locate an immigration attorney to represent them.
Two days later, on March 6, two men in plain clothes arrived unannounced at Jackson’s residence.
According to Jackson, they identified him by name and accused him of “obstructing an ongoing immigration investigation.” When he asked for identification and badge numbers, the men refused to provide them. Jackson declined to let them enter his home and closed the door.
The encounter has raised concerns among legal observers over Government interference and the potential chilling effect on attorneys who offer even basic legal support to undocumented individuals or their families.
Legal rights guidance leads to professional fallout
Jackson’s meeting with the immigrant family lasted under an hour and did not extend beyond general legal advice, as he is not certified in immigration law. But the aftermath of that conversation led to unexpected professional consequences when he was dismissed from his corporate legal role immediately after the ICE story was published.
While the company has not commented publicly on the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s termination, it has caused concern among legal professionals about over-reach from Government officials, particularly over immigration enforcement.
It also increases uncertainty about worker rights, levels of employer support and how to safely interact with increasingly aggressive Federal agencies
Janette Levey