U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a worksite enforcement operation in Madison, South Dakota, on May 13. The effort, supported by multiple federal and local agencies including the FBI and IRS, led to the arrest of eight individuals identified as illegal aliens.
The investigation targeted two companies: Manitou Equipment America and Global Polymer Industries. At Manitou, authorities arrested three individuals—two from Nicaragua and one from El Salvador. At Global Polymer Industries, five arrests were made—three from Nicaragua and two from Guatemala. All those detained are currently in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings.
Jamie Holt, ICE Homeland Security Investigations St. Paul Special Agent in Charge, commented on the operation: “Worksite enforcement remains a critical component of our mission to uphold the law and protect the integrity of the U.S. labor market. Employers who knowingly hire individuals without legal work authorization not only undermine our nation’s immigration laws but also exploit vulnerable populations.”
Holt further emphasized that illegal hiring practices are not confined to major cities but occur in small towns across rural America. "We will continue to hold violators accountable, wherever they operate,” Holt stated.
ICE officials reiterated their commitment to identifying threats to public safety and national security through these operations. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States encountered during such actions may face detention and removal processes according to federal law.
The agency encourages public participation in reporting suspected immigration violations or related criminal activities via the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or through their online Tip Form.
For updates on ICE HSI St. Paul's initiatives in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, follow them on X at @HSISaintPaul.
