U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Denver has announced intentions to impose fines totaling over $8 million on three local businesses following worksite audits that revealed employment eligibility violations.
The companies facing fines are CCS Denver, Inc., PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems, Inc., and Green Management Denver. CCS Denver, Inc. was fined $6,186,171 due to a 100% substantive violation rate and the employment of at least 87 unauthorized workers. PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems, Inc. received a fine of $1,599,510 for a 74% violation rate and knowingly employing at least 12 unauthorized workers. Green Management Denver faces a fine of $270,195 after a 100% violation rate and identification of 44 unauthorized employees.
ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) aims to ensure businesses adhere to federal employment laws, using methods such as I-9 audits, civil penalties, and criminal prosecution when necessary.
“The employment of unauthorized workers undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts law-abiding employers at a disadvantage,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Cagen. “These penalties reinforce our commitment to uphold the law and promote a culture of compliance.”
HSI employs a three-pronged strategy for worksite enforcement: compliance through I-9 inspections, civil fines, and debarment referrals; enforcement via criminal arrest of employers and administrative arrest of unauthorized workers; and outreach through the HSI Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program to promote accountability and legal hiring practices.
