U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently conducted a worksite enforcement operation at Chavos Tires in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, resulting in the arrest of three employees. These individuals were identified as illegal aliens unlawfully present in the United States and were detained for administrative immigration violations pending removal. Among them, one has a criminal history involving driving under the influence and assault.
"The worksite enforcement operation at Chavos Tires is a prime example of our commitment to upholding the laws established by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986," stated ICE Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens. "By ensuring employers hire legally verified employees, we help protect jobs for U.S. citizens and lawfully employed individuals, eliminate unfair competitive advantages, and strengthen public safety and national security."
The investigation was initiated after ICE received information suggesting that Chavos Tires was hiring illegal aliens and potentially engaging in labor exploitation. This inquiry into the business operations remains ongoing.
Federal law mandates that employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of all hires using the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. ICE utilizes this I-9 inspection program as part of its comprehensive strategy to promote compliance with U.S. employment laws and deter illegal employment practices.
ICE's worksite enforcement strategy also involves leveraging other investigative disciplines due to potential links between worksite investigations and additional criminal activities such as alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, document fraud, worker exploitation, or substandard wage conditions.
The agency employs a three-pronged approach to worksite enforcement: compliance through I-9 inspections, civil fines, referrals for debarment; enforcement via criminal arrests of employers; and administrative arrests of unauthorized workers.
