Federal authorities detained 57 individuals in Cayuga County, New York, during a worksite enforcement operation on September 4. According to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, five of those detained face felony charges for illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed. These charges are accusations at this stage, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The U.S. Attorney stated that the operation aimed not only to enforce immigration laws but also to support fair job opportunities for American workers in communities with high unemployment rates. "Last week’s operation enforced our immigration laws, but it also struck a blow for fairness and opportunity for hard-working, able-bodied Americans who deserve access to all of the well-paying jobs in their communities, some of which suffer from relatively high unemployment rates," said the U.S. Attorney.
While declining to comment on the specific employer involved in last week's action, the U.S. Attorney warned employers against hiring unauthorized workers: "What I will say, more broadly, is that employers that knowingly hire unauthorized workers are breaking the law and also contributing to a system that harms our economy, jeopardizes public safety, and devalues the hard work of lawful employees."
The statement continued with a warning directed at employers throughout the region: "To employers across the Northern District of New York: heed this warning. We will aggressively pursue criminal investigations against those who violate our laws by employing non-citizens without authorization. There will be consequences. The bad old days of turning a blind eye are over."
Acknowledging lawful immigrants' contributions while emphasizing strict enforcement against illegal reentry and unauthorized employment practices, the U.S. Attorney added: "We recognize the contributions that lawful immigrants make to our communities. But illegal reentry after deportation is a flagrant violation of federal law — and it will not be tolerated. Nor will we tolerate the greed of those employers that knowingly hire illegal aliens."
Federal agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, IRS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement were cited as partners in ongoing efforts to identify violators and hold them accountable.
"You can expect to see federal law enforcement at more worksites, going forward," said the U.S. Attorney. "We owe it to the American people to enforce our immigration laws fairly, firmly, and without exception."
