U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained over 1,000 workers lacking employment authorization since January 20, as part of an intensified campaign to hold businesses accountable for employing illegal aliens. This initiative is under the purview of ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
“This is the highest rate of arrest in HSI’s history,” stated Robert Hammer, HSI acting Executive Associate Director. He added, “We’ve subpoenaed the business records of about 1,200 businesses, and as part of our review, we’ve proposed close to $1 million in fines.”
The operations align with President Donald J. Trump’s executive order aiming to protect the American populace from illegal immigration. HSI is implementing the Immigration and Nationality Act along with other federal legislation regarding illegal entry and residence in the U.S.
According to Hammer, “Businesses that exploit and hire illegal workers are harming the American public.” He emphasized ICE’s role in safeguarding Americans by enforcing over 400 immigration-related laws during worksite enforcement operations.
ICE has escalated these efforts in recent months, with notable operations including a civil complaint filed on April 2 against a Chinese money laundering organization. This case, involving ICE and the IRS’s Criminal Investigation division, led to the seizure of assets including properties, bank accounts, and vehicles. The organization allegedly facilitated illegal employment in Ohio factories using a staffing company.
Other operations resulted in multiple arrests in states such as Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Federal law prohibits knowingly hiring illegal workers, and businesses found to be exploiting these workers face prosecution. Employment eligibility verification helps ensure legal compliance and protect employers from the repercussions of hiring unauthorized workers.
To aid businesses in this regard, ICE promotes the IMAGE program, which offers training on relevant issues like fraudulent documents and labor violations. Information regarding IMAGE can be requested from ICE.
Suspected crimes and suspicious activities can be reported to ICE by phone or online.
For more on ICE’s public safety efforts, follow their updates on social media.
