ICE arrests more than 160 employees at a Houston rag-exporting company

HOUSTON - As part of its ongoing enforcement efforts to investigate worksites allegedly hiring illegal aliens, U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed a federal search warrant today at a Houston used clothing and rag-exporting company.

ICE arrested more than 160 Action Rags USA employees for administrative immigration violations. Action Rags USA is an international supplier of used clothing and rags. Today's enforcement action is part of a more than a year-long ongoing investigation

"ICE worksite enforcement investigations unfold in multiple stages. Our ICE agents will follow the evidence and information gathered from this operation to determine if there are other violations of the law," said Robert Rutt, special agent in charge for ICE's Office of Investigations in Houston.

The individuals arrested today are from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

Voters may have say on employer sanctions law

July 2, 2008 - 3:52PM

BY HOWARD FISCHER, CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES

PHOENIX - Arizona voters are likely going to get a chance to do what lawmakers and federal judges have so far rejected: dilute the state's new employer sanctions law.

A business-financed group filed about 284,000 signatures this week for its own version of a statute that backers say provides "tough, enforceable, fair" laws. Only 153,365 of those need to be found valid to qualify for the Nov. 4 ballot.

The measure, dubbed Stop Illegal Hiring, contains the same penalties as the state law which took effect Jan. 1. It allows a judge to suspend all state licenses of any firm found to have knowingly hired an undocumented worker; a second violation within three years results in license revocation.

But this version requires prosecutors to prove that the owner or an officer of the company have "actual knowledge" that a worker is here illegally. The fact that an underling has deliberately hired the undocumented worker and the owner may have reason to believe the person is illegal would not be enough.

Potentially more significant, it provides absolute immunity to firms that either use the E-Verify system or simply comply with existing federal laws about checking the identity of new workers

Bush orders contractors to check legal status of employees

The Associated Press

Published: 06.09.2008

WASHINGTON - President Bush has signed an executive order requiring contractors and others who do business with the federal government to make sure their employees can legally work in the U.S.

Bush signed the order Friday and the White House announced it Monday.

The federal government has had some embarrassing moments when illegal workers have been discovered to be working for contractors they've hired, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in a news conference. For that reason it's trying to get its own house in order, Chertoff said.

"The federal government should lead by example and not merely by exhortation," he said.

The order says federal departments and agencies must require contractors to use an electronic system to verify that the workers are eligible to work in the U.S.

8 suspected illegal immigrants face fraud charges after raid

The Associated Press

PHOENIX — Sheriff's deputies say they've arrested eight suspected illegal immigrants on fraud charges for allegedly using forged documents or stolen identities to get jobs at two amusement parks in metropolitan Phoenix.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says the fraud bust might lead to a case under the state's employer sanctions law if deputies can prove the amusement parks operators knew they were hiring illegal immigrants.

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas says authorities didn't yet have a sanctions case resulting from the raid Tuesday morning at Golfland Entertainment locations in Mesa and north Phoenix.

Day-labor bill rejected; may resurface

The Associated Press

Published: 05.23.2008

PHOENIX - The Arizona Senate dealt at least a temporary setback to efforts to place new restraints on day laborers.

The Senate narrowly rejected a bill Thursday prohibiting day laborers from seeking work on public streets and sidewalks and private property under some circumstances.

With seven senators absent before the long Memorial Day weekend, supporters fell one vote short of the number needed for passage. A reconsideration vote could be held next week when more senators are on hand.

Iowa immigration raid is largest in U.S. history

May. 13, 2008 01:07 PM

The Des Moines Register

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Federal officials said Tuesday that they had detained 390 illegal immigrants after a raid on a meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa, in what they described as the largest single-site raid of its kind nationwide.

The detainees include 314 men and 76 women, according to figures released Tuesday by federal authorities. Fifty-six detainees - mostly women with young children - have been released under the supervision of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A similar factory raid in New Bedford, Mass., last year netted 361 arrests, most of whom faced deportation and were separated from their families.

"We're here to discuss not only the largest operation of its kind ever in Iowa, but in fact the largest single-site enforcement operation of its kind in the country," U.S. Attorney Matt M. Dummermuth said.

The detainees included 290 who claimed to be Guatemalans, 93 Mexicans, three Israelis and four Ukrainians. Among the detained were 12 juveniles, six of whom have been released.

ICE and DOJ joint enforcement action at Iowa meatpacking plant

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed a criminal search warrant this morning at Agriprocessors, Inc., in Postville, Iowa, for evidence relating to aggravated identity theft, fraudulent use of Social Security numbers and other crimes, as well as a civil search warrant for people illegally in the United States. The announcement was made by United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Matt M. Dummermuth and ICE Special Agent in Charge Claude Arnold.

"This is not the first time this office has been a part of a criminal worksite enforcement operation," said Dummermuth. "However, this is the largest operation of its type ever in Iowa. Agents and officers from federal, state, and local agencies are involved today. The coordination and logistical planning efforts have been going on for months."

"ICE is committed to enforcing the nation's immigration laws in the workplace to maintain the integrity of the immigration system," said Claude Arnold, Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Bloomington, Minnesota. "We carry out that obligation in a fair and responsible manner, ensuring humanitarian needs are taken into consideration.

Anyone encountered during this operation who is discovered to be in the United States illegally eventually will be placed into administrative removal proceedings. So far, ICE agents have arrested more than 300 individuals for administrative immigration violations.

Legislature approves changes to employer sanctions law

The Associated Press

Published: 04.28.2008

The Arizona Legislature approved a proposal Monday aimed at correcting perceived flaws in a state law that prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

The proposed changes sprang from complaints by business groups that the law was unfair to employers whose operating licenses could be suspended or revoked for violations.

Business groups succeeded in getting the bill to narrow the employees to whom the law applies and to create protections for employers who make good-faith efforts to follow the rules. Even so, they don't think the state should have its own employer sanctions because they said cracking down on illegal hirings is the responsibility of the federal government.

"In terms of what the business community had to swallow to begin with, I think the clarifications that are in there are more than fair," said Ann Seiden, a spokeswoman for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of several business groups that have sought to overturn the law.

The original law, which took effect in January, was intended to lessen the economic incentive for foreign workers to sneak into Arizona, the busiest illegal entry point along the nation's southern border. An estimated one in 10 workers in Arizona is an illegal immigrant.

91 Pilgrim's Pride workers face criminal charges in ongoing identity theft probe

DALLAS - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents worked through the night processing the more than 300 foreign national workers arrested yesterday at Pilgrim's Pride plants in five states who are suspected of committing identity theft and other criminal violations in order to obtain their jobs.

Of the 311 Pilgrim's Pride employees taken into custody during the enforcement action, 91 have been charged so far with criminal violations, including false use of a Social Security number and document fraud. The workers facing criminal charges have been turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The remaining Pilgrim's Pride employees are being processed for removal on administrative immigration violations.

All of the individuals arrested during yesterday's operation were interviewed by ICE agents and health care professionals, assigned to ICE from the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Immigration Health Services, to determine if they had health, caregiver, or other humanitarian concerns, and to identify possible urgent medical needs. As a result of those interviews, 58 of the workers were processed and released on humanitarian grounds under supervision, pending future immigration proceedings.

Illegal worker arrested for ID theft

Arrest part of sheriff's illegal-hires crackdown

by Craig Harris - Apr. 18, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

A dairy worker, who authorities say spent the past six years working at a Laveen farm under a fake name, was arrested Thursday as part of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's crackdown on illegal workers.

The Sheriff's Office has made at least eight arrests this year since a new employer-sanctions law regarding illegal workers went into effect. However, no Maricopa County employers have been cited.

"We don't have enough evidence to hold any employers responsible yet," Arpaio said. "But we have cases in the hopper. We want to do the right thing. I am very pro-business."

The Legal Arizona Workers Act, which went into effect Jan. 1, gives the state authority to suspend or revoke the business license of any employer found to have knowingly or intentionally hired an illegal immigrant.

Nearly 300 arrested in immigration raids at poultry plants

Wednesday April 16, 5:08 pm ET
By Anabelle Garay, Associated Press Writer

Nearly 300 arrested in immigration raids at poultry plants in 5 states; more arrests elsewhere

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Nearly 300 people were arrested Wednesday in immigration and identity theft raids at Pilgrim's Pride poultry plants in five states.

More than 100 people were arrested on immigration violations in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Moorefield, W.Va., with 45 arrests in Mount Pleasant, Texas, on charges of false use of Social Security numbers.

More than 25 people face administrative charges of immigration violations in Live Oak, Fla. They will also face identity theft or document fraud charges. More than 20 were arrested in Batesville, Ark., on federal warrants for alleged document fraud or identity theft.

"We knew in advance and cooperated fully," said Ray Atkinson, a spokesman for the Pittsburg, Texas, company.

Pilgrim's Pride faces no charges, he said.

The raids were part of a long-term investigation, officials said. Plants were raided in Mount Pleasant, Texas, Batesville, Ark., Live Oak, Fla., Chattanooga, Tenn. and Moorefield, W.Va., authorities said

Some immigrants leaving Arizona in face of employer sanctions law

April 14, 2008 - 4:51PM

BY LEAH DURAN, CRONKITE NEWS SERVICE

AVONDALE, Ariz. - In the corner of a living room in a small house that he rents in this Phoenix suburb, Juan Carlos has piled six black garbage bags stuffed with clothes and housewares along with an old vacuum cleaner.

Juan Carlos, 50, said he will donate some of his possessions to a local church and send others to family in Mexico.

Unable to afford a moving truck and unsure of his future in Arizona, Juan Carlos is preparing to leave behind his wife and daughter, both undocumented immigrants, for a new state and a new life. Juan Carlos, who has a worker visa, declined to give his last name to protect the anonymity of his wife and daughter, who are in Arizona illegally.

"My plan is to go to Utah because I see a lot of problems here," said Juan Carlos, who has put his house on the market.

When he moved to Arizona with his family more than two years ago, it seemed like the perfect place to live. He found work as a golf course irrigator, and his wife landed a job at the local supermarket. His daughter formed close friendships at a local church.

Yet, increasing hostility towards undocumented immigrants and the fear of repercussions from Arizona's new employer-sanctions law has motivated Juan Carlos to seek a livelihood elsewhere.

"Our friends are leaving because they don't want to go to jail or wait for the new law" to be implemented, he said.

Worth billions, remittances to Mexico are big business

April 14, 2008 - 5:07PM

BY KRISTI EATON, CRONKITE NEWS SERVICE

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was reported from Tempe, Ariz., and Veracruz and Jalisco, Mexico.

As he has done most every week for eight years, Pedro Cordova Martinez steps into El Paisano Mercado, a convenience store near his home in Tempe, Ariz., and makes his way to the back. There he encounters two cashiers standing behind a glass panel, waiting for the end-of-the-week rush.

His hands are caked with grime. Dirt has permanently darkened fingernails that reach into his pocket and pull out $100 in cash, which Martinez hands to one of the women working the counter.

The cash is just about all of the paycheck he earns working at his job in the plumbing industry.

Martinez, 21, instructs the woman to send the money to San Isidro, Veracruz, Mexico, to the mother and father he has not seen since he entered the United States illegally in 1999.

Every week, it is the same routine.

"I'm trying to make a more better life," he said in broken English.
His parents are grateful for the money, he said. "It's $100 here, but 1,000 pesos there. It's a lot of money."

Martinez is one of 6.6 million Mexican citizens living and working in the United States who send money, known as remittances, back to their families.

More than $23 billion flowed from the United States to Mexico in 2006, and a little more than that was expected to be transferred in 2007, according to the InterAmerican Development Bank.

Feds charge Sierra Vista man with aiding illegal entrants

The Associated Press

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 03.15.2008

A 25-year-old Sierra Vista man is in federal custody, charged with knowingly hiring and harboring illegal immigrants.

Authorities say Robert Rubio, manager of an unidentified company in Sierra Vista, tipped off an illegal immigrant in June 2007 that immigration agents were inspecting the firm.

The federal complaint alleges that Rubio told the immigrant to leave with several others to avoid arrest.

The complaint says inspectors determined that 10 people working for the company were using fraudulent cards identifying them as permanent residents.

Federal Court of Appeals affirms convictions of former Iowa restaurant owners

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The convictions of two former owners of The Galley Restaurant in Vinton, Iowa, who hired illegal aliens to work in their restaurant, were upheld today by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. U.S. Attorney Matt M. Dummermuth, District of Iowa, made the announcement; the convictions resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Sadik Seferi, 43, and Nicole Tipton, 25, of Vinton, Iowa, were sentenced Nov. 30, 2006 following a May 10 jury verdict finding them guilty of hiring and harboring illegal aliens, and for conspiring to hire and harbor illegal aliens. Seferi was sentenced to 30 months in prison; Tipton was sentenced to 27 months.

Seferi and Tipton operated The Galley Restaurant from about September 2005 through March 2006. Evidence presented at the trial showed that during this time they knowingly hired at least six illegal aliens to work in the restaurant. One of the workers was 14 years old and another was 17.

The illegal aliens employed by the restaurant were paid cash at far below minimum wage, and taxes were not withheld from their pay. However, records presented in court showed that Seferi and Tipton paid U.S. citizens and properly documented alien employees by check and withheld taxes from their wages.

No sanctions charges; appeal continues

SHERYL KORNMAN

Published: 03.01.2008

The Pima County Attorney's office won't file any charges next week against businesses that may have violated the state's Legal Arizona Workers Act, Deputy Pima County Attorney Dan Jurkowitz said Friday.

Three complaints against Pima County employers have been lodged since the law took effect Jan. 1, Jurkowitz said.

Jurkowitz said the complaints are still under investigation, and it could be weeks or months before decisions are made on whether to prosecute.

County attorneys around the state agreed to wait until March 1 to begin prosecuting cases under the new employer sanctions statute.

The delay was to give challenges to the law time to work their way through the courts.

Efforts to block the implementation of the law so far have failed. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Thursday denied an injunction sought by businesses.

Appeals to stop state sanctions law denied

Mary Jo Pitzl

The Arizona Republic
Feb. 29, 2008 12:00 AM

Prosecutors are free to file complaints for violations of the state's employer-sanctions law, as the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday denied requests for emergency injunctions to block the law.

The law has been in effect since Jan. 1, but the county attorneys who are charged with enforcing the law have said they couldn't bring any prosecutions until March 1 at the earliest.

In its order, the three-judge panel rejected requests for emergency stays filed by a coalition of business groups and Hispanic civil-rights groups.

That means the groups' arguments that Arizona's law is unconstitutional will be heard later this year.

U.S. raises fines for illegal hiring by 25% for illegal hiring

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The government will raise by 25 percent the fines it levies against employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced Friday.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has stepped up its enforcement of the sanctions law in the past year, leading to a dozen major busts. Currently, fines range from $275 to $11,000.

Arrested migrants urged to be silent

Arrested migrants urged to be silentAdvocates insist they're not trying to beat system

Daniel González
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 24, 2008 12:00 AM

Community groups are responding to a controversial crackdown on illegal immigrants with a controversial plan of their own: They are giving undocumented people advice on how to avoid being deported.

Immigration advocates say they are simply trying to protect the rights of illegal immigrants, not teach them how to beat the system.

Critics say the advice amounts to helping people who have broken the law.

"It shows blatant contempt for the rule of law in this country and blatant contempt for local police working with federal authorities to clean up this mess," said Chris Simcox, president of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, a civilian border-watch group.

An Illegal Exodus...Back to Mexico?

By Tom Fitton
FrontPageMagazine.com | 2/20/2008

Previously I reported to you that a federal court in Missouri upheld a law penalizing businesses that hire illegals. Last week, more good news to report from Arizona:

A federal judge on Thursday upheld an Arizona law that prohibits businesses from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants and yanks the business licenses of those that do. U.S. District Judge Neil Wake dismissed a lawsuit filed by business groups that argued that federal immigration law severely restricts Arizona's ability to punish people who knowingly employ illegal immigrants.

Under the law, a business would be placed on probation after one violation and would lose its business license permanently following a second violation.

You will recall that Judicial Watch has been extremely active in the state of Arizona, especially in Phoenix, where we have been working very closely with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio on behalf of Phoenix businesses to enforce illegal immigration laws.

So, what impact is this work having on the illegal immigration population in Arizona? Check this out from The New York Times, reporting from Phoenix:

The signs of flight among Latino immigrants here are multiple: Families moving out of apartment complexes, schools reporting enrollment drops, business owners complaining about fewer clients.…a consensus is developing among economists, business people and immigration groups that the weakening economy coupled with recent curbs on illegal immigration are steering Hispanic immigrants out of the state.

The Times makes note of one illegal alien who is pressing her husband “to return to Mexico because of the difficulty in finding a job and what the family considers a growing anti-immigrant climate.”