U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal law enforcement partners conducted a worksite inspection at the Five 10 Flats apartment complex in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on June 11, 2025. During this operation, 17 individuals were arrested for immigration violations. The arrests included 13 Venezuelan citizens, two Mexican citizens, one Ecuadorian citizen, and one Nicaraguan citizen.
Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens stated, "Ensuring worksite compliance is a fundamental responsibility of Homeland Security Investigations." He emphasized the importance of such inspections in maintaining public safety and economic stability by targeting illegal employment practices.
The location under inspection is undergoing restoration by workers from a subcontractor and currently has no tenants. Participating agencies in the operation included Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Allentown; Drug Enforcement Administration Allentown; Internal Revenue Service; and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
ICE's role involves enforcing compliance with federal employment eligibility requirements through comprehensive worksite enforcement initiatives. These operations aim to identify employers violating employment laws and may result in arrest and detention for those found violating U.S. immigration laws.
The public is encouraged to report suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or online via the ICE Tip Form.
