U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, executed a targeted worksite enforcement operation in South Texas. This initiative led to the arrest of 31 individuals for immigration-related violations at a business and two construction sites.
The operation was conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which performed records checks revealing that several of those arrested had prior criminal convictions. These offenses included aggravated criminal sexual assault, bodily harm, possession of a controlled substance, probation violations, evading arrest, transporting noncitizens, domestic violence/strangulation, terroristic threats against family or household members, possession of prohibited weapons in a weapons-free zone, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and evading arrest or detention in the United States.
The detainees were citizens from Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador who were unlawfully present in the United States. They have been transferred to ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
Federal regulations mandate employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all their hires using the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. ICE employs this form as part of its strategy to promote compliance with employment laws and deter the hiring of unauthorized workers.
HSI's worksite enforcement strategy utilizes its comprehensive investigative capabilities. These investigations often reveal additional criminal activities such as alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, document fraud, worker exploitation, and poor working conditions.
The investigation was supported by multiple agencies including ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Border Patrol; U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations; CBP Air and Marine Operations; along with local law enforcement such as Webb County Sheriff’s Office; Zapata County Sheriff’s Office; and Laredo Police Department.
Public members can report crimes or suspicious activity by contacting the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting an online tip form.
For further details on HSI San Antonio's public safety efforts in Central and South Texas follow them on X at @HSI_SanAntonio.
