Reported by: ABC15.com staff
Last Update: 3/26/2010
MARICOPA COUNTY, AZ – A raid targeting illegal immigration led to the arrests of 21 Phoenix-area McDonald's workers Friday, and authorities were still seeking 30 other employees as part of their investigation.
Deputies armed with search warrants raided McDonald’s restaurants in Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa Friday morning.
The McDonald’s locations include:
* McDonald’s 1516 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale
* McDonald’s 3218 South McClintock, Tempe
* McDonald’s 2130 West Southern, Mesa
* McDonald’s 1460 West Southern, Mesa
Arpaio said information developed by his deputies indicates that over 50 employees working at the businesses may be using falsified or stolen identities for the purposes of gaining employment.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says it will take more time to determine whether any of them are illegal immigrants as officials suspect.
Deputies also searched a mansion in Paradise Valley. The mansion is owned by Richard Coulston, who owns the restaurants. Coulston was not arrested.
McDonald's Corp. referred comment to Coulston's company, R&L Management. In a statement, the company says people shouldn't jump to conclusions without all the facts.
"The company has trained its managers and hiring personnel regarding proper hiring procedures," Pace said. "It does not permit the hiring of employees without completing those procedures ... Any individuals unable to meet the legal requirements for establishing authorization to work are not hired."
Pace said the company was cooperating with the sheriff's office.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio said Friday afternoon that McDonald's employees had been prepped on what to do if they were raided.
Arpaio also said most employees' records were not kept at the store, but at the Coulston's lawyer's office.
Arpaio said deputies were tipped off in November to the McDonald's they raided by a caller to their illegal immigration hot line, and the tipster alleged several employees bragged about being illegal immigrants.
Deputies used government databases to identify 51 workers who appear to be illegal workers, and were looking for the 30 outstanding suspects.
County officials said if any of the workers turns out to be an illegal immigrant, it could be their fourth civil case under the employer sanctions law, which penalizes employers for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants. The law, which is more than two years old, carries license suspensions and revocations for those who knowingly make illegal hires and is designed to reduce the economic incentive for immigrants to cross the border.
http://www.abc15.com/content/news/northeastvalley/paradisevalley/story/21-arrested-after-raid-of-4-McDonald-s/rB1Qa5lZr0CxtRPn3z-gmw.cspx
Showing posts with label Workplace Raids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Workplace Raids. Show all posts
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Illegal workers face variety of fates
by Andrew Gaug
St. Joe's News
Sunday, October 4, 2009
A growing Hispanic population in Buchanan County means a lot for the city, including more tax money, diversity and a bigger work force.
But not every person who comes from foreign territory is documented.
According to the St. Joseph Police Department, 32 undocumented workers were arrested in St. Joseph in the past year. Going on 2008 census data, that accounts for about 1 percent of St. Joseph’s estimated 2,980 members of the Hispanic community.
Capt. Kevin Castle of the Police Department said undocumented workers usually aren’t picked up on just their status, as police are instructed not to arrest them unless they’ve committed a crime.
“In our training, we’re told not to do it,” he said. “It serves no purpose.”
Mr. Castle noted that although the worker may have been arrested and placed on a detainer, or immigration hold, that doesn’t mean he or she will be deported.
Even further, Matthew Hoppock, an attorney at the McCrummen Immigration Law Group in Kansas City, said those who are arrested for being undocumented workers often deal with being labeled as people who crossed the border illegally.
“I think that’s almost painting with too broad of a brush. There’s a whole range of other people that get involved,” he said. “A good portion of what we see is a person that came on a visa that expired.”
Gail Montenegro, public information officer for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service in Chicago, which covers a six-state area including Missouri, said the person is picked up by her agency after the arrest.
“When they are placed on detainer, we get the notification from the local authorities when it’s time to release them from local custody. ICE should be contacted so the person can be turned over to ensure they’re not released out on the streets.”
ICE prioritizes its involvement in a case based on the person’s history, such as convictions of violence and previous deportations. The same types of criteria come into play in immigration court, when the judge decides whether the person will be deported or will stay.
“They could be removable because they came on a visa and it has expired, they have no visa, or because of some type of crime they have committed that has caused their visa to expire,” Mr. Hoppock said.
Another factor taken into consideration is the toll on the worker’s family. Mr. Hoppock said if the client is deported, it doesn’t mean others with him suffer the same fate.
While it may anger some people, there are several types of relief an undocumented worker can apply for. This includes asylum, where the persons fear being prosecuted by their homeland on their return, or proving that their family within the U.S. will go through extreme hardships without their presence.
Acceptance of both types of relief vary on a case-by-case basis.
“It all depends on the judge,” Mr. Hoppock said. “We have a judge in Chicago who will take cases in Kansas City on TV screen. He grants 30 percent of asylum cases in Chicago, but in Kansas City, it’s only about 17 percent.”
Though Police Department figures in the past year show a low number of undocumented workers being caught, that doesn’t mean everyone in the city is a legitimate citizen. Besides the police only arresting undocumented workers who commit crimes, some businesses don’t go to great lengths to identify undocumented workers.
“It’s not that hard for (businesses) to figure it out,” Mr. Castle said. “Some employers just don’t take that effort.”
An easy target in St. Joseph when it comes to undocumented workers is Triumph Foods, which opened in 2006. That is simply not the case, said Patt Lilly, chief administrative officer for Triumph.
The business uses a three-tiered verification system for applicants, including eVerify, which checks the person’s identity, and two systems that check the person’s Social Security number and where their card was issued.
“There is no benefit for us hiring undocumented workers. We pay good salaries and give good benefits,” he said.
Ms. Montenegro said people who believe they may know someone who is living in the country illegally can call ICE’s tip hot line at (866) 347-2423. She said all calls are taken into consideration by ICE and prioritized by the information given.
“The more specific, the better,” she said.
http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/oct/04/illegal-workers-face-variety-fates/#
St. Joe's News
Sunday, October 4, 2009
A growing Hispanic population in Buchanan County means a lot for the city, including more tax money, diversity and a bigger work force.
But not every person who comes from foreign territory is documented.
According to the St. Joseph Police Department, 32 undocumented workers were arrested in St. Joseph in the past year. Going on 2008 census data, that accounts for about 1 percent of St. Joseph’s estimated 2,980 members of the Hispanic community.
Capt. Kevin Castle of the Police Department said undocumented workers usually aren’t picked up on just their status, as police are instructed not to arrest them unless they’ve committed a crime.
“In our training, we’re told not to do it,” he said. “It serves no purpose.”
Mr. Castle noted that although the worker may have been arrested and placed on a detainer, or immigration hold, that doesn’t mean he or she will be deported.
Even further, Matthew Hoppock, an attorney at the McCrummen Immigration Law Group in Kansas City, said those who are arrested for being undocumented workers often deal with being labeled as people who crossed the border illegally.
“I think that’s almost painting with too broad of a brush. There’s a whole range of other people that get involved,” he said. “A good portion of what we see is a person that came on a visa that expired.”
Gail Montenegro, public information officer for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service in Chicago, which covers a six-state area including Missouri, said the person is picked up by her agency after the arrest.
“When they are placed on detainer, we get the notification from the local authorities when it’s time to release them from local custody. ICE should be contacted so the person can be turned over to ensure they’re not released out on the streets.”
ICE prioritizes its involvement in a case based on the person’s history, such as convictions of violence and previous deportations. The same types of criteria come into play in immigration court, when the judge decides whether the person will be deported or will stay.
“They could be removable because they came on a visa and it has expired, they have no visa, or because of some type of crime they have committed that has caused their visa to expire,” Mr. Hoppock said.
Another factor taken into consideration is the toll on the worker’s family. Mr. Hoppock said if the client is deported, it doesn’t mean others with him suffer the same fate.
While it may anger some people, there are several types of relief an undocumented worker can apply for. This includes asylum, where the persons fear being prosecuted by their homeland on their return, or proving that their family within the U.S. will go through extreme hardships without their presence.
Acceptance of both types of relief vary on a case-by-case basis.
“It all depends on the judge,” Mr. Hoppock said. “We have a judge in Chicago who will take cases in Kansas City on TV screen. He grants 30 percent of asylum cases in Chicago, but in Kansas City, it’s only about 17 percent.”
Though Police Department figures in the past year show a low number of undocumented workers being caught, that doesn’t mean everyone in the city is a legitimate citizen. Besides the police only arresting undocumented workers who commit crimes, some businesses don’t go to great lengths to identify undocumented workers.
“It’s not that hard for (businesses) to figure it out,” Mr. Castle said. “Some employers just don’t take that effort.”
An easy target in St. Joseph when it comes to undocumented workers is Triumph Foods, which opened in 2006. That is simply not the case, said Patt Lilly, chief administrative officer for Triumph.
The business uses a three-tiered verification system for applicants, including eVerify, which checks the person’s identity, and two systems that check the person’s Social Security number and where their card was issued.
“There is no benefit for us hiring undocumented workers. We pay good salaries and give good benefits,” he said.
Ms. Montenegro said people who believe they may know someone who is living in the country illegally can call ICE’s tip hot line at (866) 347-2423. She said all calls are taken into consideration by ICE and prioritized by the information given.
“The more specific, the better,” she said.
http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/oct/04/illegal-workers-face-variety-fates/#
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Editorial Notebook: The Spots and the Stems
By LAWRENCE DOWNES
New York Times Editorial
September 20, 2009
Apple picking started last week in Wayne County, in upstate New York, slightly later than usual because of a cool, wet summer.
Men and women moved into the orchards, stooping and reaching, twisting and pulling, filling wooden bins with perfect fruit, avoiding spots and bruises, keeping stems intact, because shoppers want stems on their apples but not spots.
It was the usual harvest race, under constant threat of disruption from bad weather and the Border Patrol. Its mission is to stop incursions from Canada, but its main targets these days have come up from Mexico. People in Wayne County, east of Rochester, know them as neighbors and friends, and as workers who do the hard labor that keeps farms alive.
Every apple you eat has been picked by hand, by someone like Tomás, who used to live in a trailer near Sodus, with his wife, son and two daughters. Not long ago he was picked up. He was here without papers. He left the country on his own. Now he’s somewhere in Mexico, maybe trying to come back in. His wife hasn’t heard from him in weeks. She’s surviving by helping the boss with payroll, but soon she’ll have to move out; the trailer has no heat.
Her fate is not the concern of federal agents. Their job is to hunt fugitives, but their net is wide. People in Sodus call it racial profiling, and tell of harmless neighbors who have been taken away: A young man on a bicycle. Fifteen people in a trailer park. A man on the steps of a Catholic church.
New York’s apple harvest needs 8,000 workers for eight weeks. No Americans will do the work, so it goes to Latino immigrants. Their lives are tuned to crops and seasons: oranges in Florida, melons in North Carolina, blueberries in Maine, then apples in New York.
It should work brilliantly. But ever since 9/11, more federal agents than ever roam the northern border, collecting non-terrorists. Farmers scramble for workers. Workers toil and cower. As they are taken away, an economy ebbs. Restaurants and shops worry about closing. It’s a slow disaster.
So Latino families can at least worship in peace, a few Sodus citizens stand weekly vigil outside Spanish Mass at the Church of the Epiphany, to keep the Border Patrol away. Last Sunday I saw about 60 people in pews that could hold three times that number. When Mass was over, the families filed out.
On the lawn outside they met five women from the vigil, wearing long dresses and shawls, and singing:
When you exploit your workers, you save a buck or two.
But immigrants are people, and they have feelings, too.
The families watched solemnly, unaccustomed to this odd but earnest activism, but welcoming the gesture of friendship. It was strange scene, but not as strange as a country fighting against itself, sorting through its humans, checking for ones to toss out, like apples with spots.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/opinion/20sun3.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y
New York Times Editorial
September 20, 2009
Apple picking started last week in Wayne County, in upstate New York, slightly later than usual because of a cool, wet summer.
Men and women moved into the orchards, stooping and reaching, twisting and pulling, filling wooden bins with perfect fruit, avoiding spots and bruises, keeping stems intact, because shoppers want stems on their apples but not spots.
It was the usual harvest race, under constant threat of disruption from bad weather and the Border Patrol. Its mission is to stop incursions from Canada, but its main targets these days have come up from Mexico. People in Wayne County, east of Rochester, know them as neighbors and friends, and as workers who do the hard labor that keeps farms alive.
Every apple you eat has been picked by hand, by someone like Tomás, who used to live in a trailer near Sodus, with his wife, son and two daughters. Not long ago he was picked up. He was here without papers. He left the country on his own. Now he’s somewhere in Mexico, maybe trying to come back in. His wife hasn’t heard from him in weeks. She’s surviving by helping the boss with payroll, but soon she’ll have to move out; the trailer has no heat.
Her fate is not the concern of federal agents. Their job is to hunt fugitives, but their net is wide. People in Sodus call it racial profiling, and tell of harmless neighbors who have been taken away: A young man on a bicycle. Fifteen people in a trailer park. A man on the steps of a Catholic church.
New York’s apple harvest needs 8,000 workers for eight weeks. No Americans will do the work, so it goes to Latino immigrants. Their lives are tuned to crops and seasons: oranges in Florida, melons in North Carolina, blueberries in Maine, then apples in New York.
It should work brilliantly. But ever since 9/11, more federal agents than ever roam the northern border, collecting non-terrorists. Farmers scramble for workers. Workers toil and cower. As they are taken away, an economy ebbs. Restaurants and shops worry about closing. It’s a slow disaster.
So Latino families can at least worship in peace, a few Sodus citizens stand weekly vigil outside Spanish Mass at the Church of the Epiphany, to keep the Border Patrol away. Last Sunday I saw about 60 people in pews that could hold three times that number. When Mass was over, the families filed out.
On the lawn outside they met five women from the vigil, wearing long dresses and shawls, and singing:
When you exploit your workers, you save a buck or two.
But immigrants are people, and they have feelings, too.
The families watched solemnly, unaccustomed to this odd but earnest activism, but welcoming the gesture of friendship. It was strange scene, but not as strange as a country fighting against itself, sorting through its humans, checking for ones to toss out, like apples with spots.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/opinion/20sun3.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Maricopa County immigration raid nets five arrests
By Mike Sunnucks
September 18, 2009
Phoenix Business Journal
The immigration raid on a Peoria landscaping and hauling business Thursday resulted in one arrest on-site and four in the field.
Kelli Bungert, manager of Berardi Enterprises, said the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office arrested one worker at the Peoria office and four others while they were working in the field or at other locations.
She said two of the suspected illegal immigrants the MCSO was looking for in its investigation no longer work for Berardi.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio said Thursday those detained face identity theft and immigration charges. Berardi has 20 employees and is located at 83rd and Peoria avenues.
Bungert said MCSO officers seized documents related to the workers and spent between 90 minutes and two hours at Berardi’s office.
Berardi is the 23rd business since January 2008 to be raided by the MCSO for allegedly hiring illegal immigrants.
http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/09/14/daily76.html
September 18, 2009
Phoenix Business Journal
The immigration raid on a Peoria landscaping and hauling business Thursday resulted in one arrest on-site and four in the field.
Kelli Bungert, manager of Berardi Enterprises, said the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office arrested one worker at the Peoria office and four others while they were working in the field or at other locations.
She said two of the suspected illegal immigrants the MCSO was looking for in its investigation no longer work for Berardi.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio said Thursday those detained face identity theft and immigration charges. Berardi has 20 employees and is located at 83rd and Peoria avenues.
Bungert said MCSO officers seized documents related to the workers and spent between 90 minutes and two hours at Berardi’s office.
Berardi is the 23rd business since January 2008 to be raided by the MCSO for allegedly hiring illegal immigrants.
http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/09/14/daily76.html
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Salsalito is under ICE scrutiny
By Guillermo Contreras
The San Antonio Express-News
06/03/2009
A San Antonio eatery is under investigation as part of an immigration raid that netted the arrests of more than 20 alleged unauthorized workers.
A phone tip by a fired employee last fall to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulted in a probe of Salsalito Cantina, which has locations in the 11700 block of Bandera Road and in the 14500 block of Nacogdoches Road, according to federal court affidavits.
ICE said in a statement that it executed two search warrants and two criminal arrest warrants last Wednesday in connection with the investigation of Salsalito's two locations.
“During the execution of the warrants, ICE agents administratively arrested 20 aliens who were found to be illegally present in the United States,” the statement said.
The arrest warrants were served on two employees charged with possession of fraudulent immigration documents. They were kitchen manager Carlos Cossio Mendoza and kitchen worker Jose Reynaldo Esquivel Guerrero, who knew a person who made fake green cards for $100, the affidavits said. Both are being held without bail pending bail hearings on Monday.
The other 20, arrested at both locations, were not identified, but were deported or will be.
The affidavits allege that Salsalito's owners had been fined previously for similar alleged immigration violations.
Michael Gross, a lawyer for Salsalito Inc. and one of its owners, Hossein Bagheri, said Gross' own ongoing investigation has found the allegations untrue.
“From the numerous individuals I have interviewed affiliated with Salsalito's Inc., they did not knowingly employ undocumented aliens,” Gross said.
The case began in September when a former Salsalito employee called ICE and said the Bandera location was knowingly employing 20 unauthorized workers.
The “illegals show up to apply, state they don't have an ID, then show up the next day with an obviously fake ID and are hired,” the tipster stated, according to the affidavits.
The caller further alleged that “illegals are made to work 75 hours per week with no pay.”
The caller said he was fired after confronting Bagheri about the allegation, which Gross said is false.
Agents used an informer to check out the caller's story and reported that unauthorized immigrants could work at the Bandera location using fake documents. Additionally, Cossio allegedly suggested to the informer that if he wanted to work overtime, he could get a second Social Security number that would allow Salsalito to issue him a second employee ID number.
“In this way, Salsalito Cantina Inc., circumvents paying overtime wages by having employees work for eight hours a day under their first employee identification number, then after eight hours, clock out and clock in again, using their second employee number,” the affidavits said.
Gross said Bagheri was unaware if what the informer observed took place. Gross added that Salsalito's records show every employee hired has the necessary paperwork and permits to work.
Gross did not have any information regarding the alleged fine.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Salsalito_is_under_ICE_scrutiny.html
The San Antonio Express-News
06/03/2009
A San Antonio eatery is under investigation as part of an immigration raid that netted the arrests of more than 20 alleged unauthorized workers.
A phone tip by a fired employee last fall to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulted in a probe of Salsalito Cantina, which has locations in the 11700 block of Bandera Road and in the 14500 block of Nacogdoches Road, according to federal court affidavits.
ICE said in a statement that it executed two search warrants and two criminal arrest warrants last Wednesday in connection with the investigation of Salsalito's two locations.
“During the execution of the warrants, ICE agents administratively arrested 20 aliens who were found to be illegally present in the United States,” the statement said.
The arrest warrants were served on two employees charged with possession of fraudulent immigration documents. They were kitchen manager Carlos Cossio Mendoza and kitchen worker Jose Reynaldo Esquivel Guerrero, who knew a person who made fake green cards for $100, the affidavits said. Both are being held without bail pending bail hearings on Monday.
The other 20, arrested at both locations, were not identified, but were deported or will be.
The affidavits allege that Salsalito's owners had been fined previously for similar alleged immigration violations.
Michael Gross, a lawyer for Salsalito Inc. and one of its owners, Hossein Bagheri, said Gross' own ongoing investigation has found the allegations untrue.
“From the numerous individuals I have interviewed affiliated with Salsalito's Inc., they did not knowingly employ undocumented aliens,” Gross said.
The case began in September when a former Salsalito employee called ICE and said the Bandera location was knowingly employing 20 unauthorized workers.
The “illegals show up to apply, state they don't have an ID, then show up the next day with an obviously fake ID and are hired,” the tipster stated, according to the affidavits.
The caller further alleged that “illegals are made to work 75 hours per week with no pay.”
The caller said he was fired after confronting Bagheri about the allegation, which Gross said is false.
Agents used an informer to check out the caller's story and reported that unauthorized immigrants could work at the Bandera location using fake documents. Additionally, Cossio allegedly suggested to the informer that if he wanted to work overtime, he could get a second Social Security number that would allow Salsalito to issue him a second employee ID number.
“In this way, Salsalito Cantina Inc., circumvents paying overtime wages by having employees work for eight hours a day under their first employee identification number, then after eight hours, clock out and clock in again, using their second employee number,” the affidavits said.
Gross said Bagheri was unaware if what the informer observed took place. Gross added that Salsalito's records show every employee hired has the necessary paperwork and permits to work.
Gross did not have any information regarding the alleged fine.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Salsalito_is_under_ICE_scrutiny.html
Friday, January 16, 2009
Napolitano signals shift in worksite raids
Napolitano signals shift in worksite raids
By STEWART M. POWELL
Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau
Jan. 15, 2009, 11:49PM
WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama’s choice to lead the Homeland Security Department signaled a shift in focus on worksite immigration raids, from targeting undocumented immigrants to pursuing what she called “unscrupulous employers.”
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano unveiled the first details of the Obama administration’s approach while testifying Thursday at her Senate confirmation hearings.
Federal immigration agents would intercept illegal immigrants at the border, Napolitano said, and would continue raiding businesses where they work.
But she said the Obama administration also would target employers who hire the immigrants on the gamble that their businesses won’t be raided.
“If confirmed,” she said in written responses to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, “I will take a close look at the design and operation of worksite enforcement actions to ensure that the focus is on unscrupulous employers.”
She pledged to subject employer violators to “appropriate criminal punishment” and to encourage employers to work with federal immigration agents “to establish sound compliance programs that prevent unlawful hiring.”
Asked what changes she would implement, Napolitano wrote: “I expect to increase the focus on ensuring that employers of unlawful workers are prosecuted for their violations.”
Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., chairman of the panel, forecast Senate confirmation for Napolitano immediately after Obama’s inauguration next Tuesday amid praise by Democrats and Republicans, led by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
A series of dramatic worksite raids across the country by armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents — including raids in Texas — has sparked widespread controversy, particularly among immigrant rights’ advocates who claim that workers face penalties such as deportation while business owners get off scot-free.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/special/immigration/6214449.html
By STEWART M. POWELL
Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau
Jan. 15, 2009, 11:49PM
WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama’s choice to lead the Homeland Security Department signaled a shift in focus on worksite immigration raids, from targeting undocumented immigrants to pursuing what she called “unscrupulous employers.”
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano unveiled the first details of the Obama administration’s approach while testifying Thursday at her Senate confirmation hearings.
Federal immigration agents would intercept illegal immigrants at the border, Napolitano said, and would continue raiding businesses where they work.
But she said the Obama administration also would target employers who hire the immigrants on the gamble that their businesses won’t be raided.
“If confirmed,” she said in written responses to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, “I will take a close look at the design and operation of worksite enforcement actions to ensure that the focus is on unscrupulous employers.”
She pledged to subject employer violators to “appropriate criminal punishment” and to encourage employers to work with federal immigration agents “to establish sound compliance programs that prevent unlawful hiring.”
Asked what changes she would implement, Napolitano wrote: “I expect to increase the focus on ensuring that employers of unlawful workers are prosecuted for their violations.”
Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., chairman of the panel, forecast Senate confirmation for Napolitano immediately after Obama’s inauguration next Tuesday amid praise by Democrats and Republicans, led by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
A series of dramatic worksite raids across the country by armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents — including raids in Texas — has sparked widespread controversy, particularly among immigrant rights’ advocates who claim that workers face penalties such as deportation while business owners get off scot-free.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/special/immigration/6214449.html
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Immigrants from raid to stay in jail
Immigrants from raid to stay in jail
December 23, 2008
By Andy Grimm
Post-Tribune staff writer
HAMMOND -- Five illegal immigrants facing criminal charges after a workplace raid at the BP?refinery in Whiting two weeks ago will spend the holidays in jail, either awaiting trial or detention hearings.
Attorneys requested delay of detention hearings for three of the defendants while awaiting information from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and two others pleaded innocent and will await trial dates in 2009.
Across from the courthouse, supporters marched and chanted at passing cars, including the children of Hammond resident Roman Torrano-Ramirez, who carried a sign that read "FREE MY DAD."
Kathy Quezada, a 17-year-old student at Hammond's Clark High?School and the oldest of defendant Maria Patricia Areja-Cali's four children, said her mother's arrest has put a strain on her family.
"It's really hard not having my mom at home," Quezada said. "We have a lot of family helping us out, but the kids keep asking when she's coming home, especially the 3-year-old."
During the Dec. 10 raid, immigration officials arrested 15 people -- one Guatemalan, the rest Mexican -- and have released 10 to home detention. Only five of those arrested face criminal charges.
The raid stemmed from a two-year investigation of United Building Maintenance, an Illinois janitorial company hired by BP. Authorities began investigating after receiving a tip that undocumented workers were employed by UBM and had access to sensitive areas of the plant, which Homeland Security officials see as a potential threat to public safety.
Authorities have said none of those indicted posed a threat to the plant or to national security.
http://www.post-trib.com/news/lake/1344593,lcimmigrants.article
December 23, 2008
By Andy Grimm
Post-Tribune staff writer
HAMMOND -- Five illegal immigrants facing criminal charges after a workplace raid at the BP?refinery in Whiting two weeks ago will spend the holidays in jail, either awaiting trial or detention hearings.
Attorneys requested delay of detention hearings for three of the defendants while awaiting information from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and two others pleaded innocent and will await trial dates in 2009.
Across from the courthouse, supporters marched and chanted at passing cars, including the children of Hammond resident Roman Torrano-Ramirez, who carried a sign that read "FREE MY DAD."
Kathy Quezada, a 17-year-old student at Hammond's Clark High?School and the oldest of defendant Maria Patricia Areja-Cali's four children, said her mother's arrest has put a strain on her family.
"It's really hard not having my mom at home," Quezada said. "We have a lot of family helping us out, but the kids keep asking when she's coming home, especially the 3-year-old."
During the Dec. 10 raid, immigration officials arrested 15 people -- one Guatemalan, the rest Mexican -- and have released 10 to home detention. Only five of those arrested face criminal charges.
The raid stemmed from a two-year investigation of United Building Maintenance, an Illinois janitorial company hired by BP. Authorities began investigating after receiving a tip that undocumented workers were employed by UBM and had access to sensitive areas of the plant, which Homeland Security officials see as a potential threat to public safety.
Authorities have said none of those indicted posed a threat to the plant or to national security.
http://www.post-trib.com/news/lake/1344593,lcimmigrants.article
Friday, October 31, 2008
27 arrested at dairy operation
27 arrested at dairy operation
Staff Reports
Argus Leader, South Dakota
October 31, 2008
VEBLEN - A joint law enforcement effort resulted in the arrests of 27 people at a dairy operation near Veblen in northeastern South Dakota, authorities said.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol arrested 13 people for identity theft and false identification while the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 14 people on federal immigration violations. Officials say they will face deportation proceedings.
The investigation began in August after an officer stopped a man who used suspicious identification, said Tim Counts, spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20081031/NEWS/810310323/1003/BUSINESS
Staff Reports
Argus Leader, South Dakota
October 31, 2008
VEBLEN - A joint law enforcement effort resulted in the arrests of 27 people at a dairy operation near Veblen in northeastern South Dakota, authorities said.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol arrested 13 people for identity theft and false identification while the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 14 people on federal immigration violations. Officials say they will face deportation proceedings.
The investigation began in August after an officer stopped a man who used suspicious identification, said Tim Counts, spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20081031/NEWS/810310323/1003/BUSINESS
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Feds arrest 64 in raids
Feds arrest 64 in raids
Immigration officers on prowl for illegal immigrants living in the Lansing area
By Abby Lubbers
The State News
Published: October 27, 2008
A sign reading “Now hiring experienced servers” in the window of El Azteco serves as a quiet reminder of what happened at the East Lansing restaurant 10 days ago. Four people were arrested Oct. 19 at the restaurant, 225 Ann St., Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesman Mike Gilhooly said.
The arrests, which were part of a National Fugitive Operations Program initiative, aimed to apprehend people illegally working in the U.S.
Sixty-four people in the Lansing area were arrested during the Oct. 17-20 initiative. Among those arrested, 40 were targets who had warrants out for their arrest, Gilhooly said.
Immigration officers arrested four people at El Azteco at about 11 a.m. Oct. 19. The officers were looking for three targets, and arrested another person who was identified as an illegal alien after attempting to flee, Gilhooly said.
One of the people arrested had worked at El Azteco for 18 years and another person had been there for 10 years, said the restaurant’s owner, Arturo Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz said the men, to his knowledge, were U.S. citizens, and he had helped the 18-year employee with immigration papers.
“They were model citizens. They paid their income taxes, they paid social security — one was even in the process of buying a home,” he said. “They were part of the economy.”
http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2008/10/feds_arrest_64_in_raids#comment26208
Immigration officers on prowl for illegal immigrants living in the Lansing area
By Abby Lubbers
The State News
Published: October 27, 2008
A sign reading “Now hiring experienced servers” in the window of El Azteco serves as a quiet reminder of what happened at the East Lansing restaurant 10 days ago. Four people were arrested Oct. 19 at the restaurant, 225 Ann St., Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesman Mike Gilhooly said.
The arrests, which were part of a National Fugitive Operations Program initiative, aimed to apprehend people illegally working in the U.S.
Sixty-four people in the Lansing area were arrested during the Oct. 17-20 initiative. Among those arrested, 40 were targets who had warrants out for their arrest, Gilhooly said.
Immigration officers arrested four people at El Azteco at about 11 a.m. Oct. 19. The officers were looking for three targets, and arrested another person who was identified as an illegal alien after attempting to flee, Gilhooly said.
One of the people arrested had worked at El Azteco for 18 years and another person had been there for 10 years, said the restaurant’s owner, Arturo Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz said the men, to his knowledge, were U.S. citizens, and he had helped the 18-year employee with immigration papers.
“They were model citizens. They paid their income taxes, they paid social security — one was even in the process of buying a home,” he said. “They were part of the economy.”
http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2008/10/feds_arrest_64_in_raids#comment26208
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Community torn apart by SC immigration raid
Community torn apart by SC immigration raid
MITCH WEISS and JEFFREY COLLINS
10/9/2008
Associated Press
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — When Magdalana Domingo Ramirez Lopez moved to this South Carolina city nearly two years ago to work at the chicken processing plant, she felt at home.
On weekends, the neighborhood near House of Raeford's plant was filled with the sounds of salsa music and the scents of Guatemalan cooking. She would shop with her three young sons at nearby businesses that catered to the immigrants — some in the country legally, others not.
While the sights and sounds reminded Lopez of her native Guatemala, she said she was happy living in the United States — a place that offered a better life for her family.
But those hopes were shattered Tuesday when federal agents swooped into the plant, arresting 330 suspected illegal immigrants, six of them juveniles, effectively shutting down the factory and tearing apart the close-knit community.
Lopez was arrested and could be deported, as her husband was two years ago.
"My whole life has changed," she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I don't want to go back. My sons are better off here. The country is so poor. There's nothing there."
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jO9WZoMijd4RZonKDKU4OabjtjkgD93MN79O4
MITCH WEISS and JEFFREY COLLINS
10/9/2008
Associated Press
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — When Magdalana Domingo Ramirez Lopez moved to this South Carolina city nearly two years ago to work at the chicken processing plant, she felt at home.
On weekends, the neighborhood near House of Raeford's plant was filled with the sounds of salsa music and the scents of Guatemalan cooking. She would shop with her three young sons at nearby businesses that catered to the immigrants — some in the country legally, others not.
While the sights and sounds reminded Lopez of her native Guatemala, she said she was happy living in the United States — a place that offered a better life for her family.
But those hopes were shattered Tuesday when federal agents swooped into the plant, arresting 330 suspected illegal immigrants, six of them juveniles, effectively shutting down the factory and tearing apart the close-knit community.
Lopez was arrested and could be deported, as her husband was two years ago.
"My whole life has changed," she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I don't want to go back. My sons are better off here. The country is so poor. There's nothing there."
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jO9WZoMijd4RZonKDKU4OabjtjkgD93MN79O4
Friday, September 26, 2008
127 workers picked up in raids Westlake and Vinton
127 workers picked up in raids Westlake and Vinton
Associated Press
September 26, 2008 8:14 AM ET
WESTLAKE, La. (AP) - Federal officials say a search of Dunham Price's Westlake and Vinton plants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents netted 127 undocumented workers all of them male from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras.
Authorities have not said what prompted the raid. Dunham Price is a cement and concrete products plant.
The workers were taken to a federal facility in Oakdale and were turned over to the Executive Office of Immigration Review. They will be tried in an administrative court, which will decide whether they should be deported.
http://www.wdam.com/Global/story.asp?S=9078296
Associated Press
September 26, 2008 8:14 AM ET
WESTLAKE, La. (AP) - Federal officials say a search of Dunham Price's Westlake and Vinton plants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents netted 127 undocumented workers all of them male from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras.
Authorities have not said what prompted the raid. Dunham Price is a cement and concrete products plant.
The workers were taken to a federal facility in Oakdale and were turned over to the Executive Office of Immigration Review. They will be tried in an administrative court, which will decide whether they should be deported.
http://www.wdam.com/Global/story.asp?S=9078296
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
21 held in immigration raid, 2nd time in month that agents arrest workers at project site on Maui
21 held in immigration raid, 2nd time in month that agents arrest workers at project site on Maui
Honolulu Advertiser Staff
September 24, 2008
HONOKOWAI, Maui — Twenty-one illegal immigrant workers were arrested Monday at the luxury Honua Kai construction project by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
It was the second time in a month that immigration agents encountered illegal workers at the Honokowai construction site. On Aug. 20, 23 illegal immigrants from three companies were arrested, including 13 who worked for subcontractor Global Stone Inc. of Orem, Utah.
All of the workers picked up Monday worked for Global Stone Inc., according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Advertiser was unable to contact the company.
The 21 men taken into custody include 12 from Mexico, eight from Brazil and one from Slovakia, the agency said. They are undergoing deportation proceedings.
Wayne Wills, special agent in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations in Hawai'i, said in a statement that it was troubling "to receive reports about unauthorized aliens working for Global Stone Inc. despite prior enforcement actions."
U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo said in a statement that companies pleading ignorance of workers' immigration status should "think again, because if there is enough evidence we will aggressively pursue all available remedies to address this issue."
Before Monday's arrests, Kubo had reported 120 worksite arrests since December, mostly involving construction and farm workers. Wills would not comment on whether the company is facing prosecution, because the investigation is ongoing. Kubo was not available yesterday to say whether any employers in Hawai'i have been penalized for hiring undocumented workers.
Honua Kai is a 38-acre beachfront project comprising two condominium towers and a total of 700 condo and townhome units.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080924/NEWS0103/809240369/1001/LOCALNEWSFRONT
Honolulu Advertiser Staff
September 24, 2008
HONOKOWAI, Maui — Twenty-one illegal immigrant workers were arrested Monday at the luxury Honua Kai construction project by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
It was the second time in a month that immigration agents encountered illegal workers at the Honokowai construction site. On Aug. 20, 23 illegal immigrants from three companies were arrested, including 13 who worked for subcontractor Global Stone Inc. of Orem, Utah.
All of the workers picked up Monday worked for Global Stone Inc., according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Advertiser was unable to contact the company.
The 21 men taken into custody include 12 from Mexico, eight from Brazil and one from Slovakia, the agency said. They are undergoing deportation proceedings.
Wayne Wills, special agent in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations in Hawai'i, said in a statement that it was troubling "to receive reports about unauthorized aliens working for Global Stone Inc. despite prior enforcement actions."
U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo said in a statement that companies pleading ignorance of workers' immigration status should "think again, because if there is enough evidence we will aggressively pursue all available remedies to address this issue."
Before Monday's arrests, Kubo had reported 120 worksite arrests since December, mostly involving construction and farm workers. Wills would not comment on whether the company is facing prosecution, because the investigation is ongoing. Kubo was not available yesterday to say whether any employers in Hawai'i have been penalized for hiring undocumented workers.
Honua Kai is a 38-acre beachfront project comprising two condominium towers and a total of 700 condo and townhome units.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080924/NEWS0103/809240369/1001/LOCALNEWSFRONT
Monday, September 22, 2008
Some arrested in Nevada raids deported
Some arrested in Nev. raids deported
USA Today
September 22, 2008
RENO, Nev. (AP) — More than half of the undocumented workers arrested in immigration raids on McDonald's restaurants were released Friday for "humanitarian purposes" while they await an appearance in immigration court, a federal official said Friday.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement revised the number of people arrested the day before to 54, down from 56. Seven were being deported to Mexico because of pervious immigration violations, and 17 remained in custody, ICE spokesman Richard Rocha said.
Humanitarian purposes can include such things as a medical condition or being the sole caregiver to children, he said, stressing that no children were left unattended as a result of the arrests.
The investigation began five months ago and was sparked by an identity theft complaint. A local law enforcement agency then gave ICE information that illegal immigrants were working at specific McDonald's restaurants, he said.
Luther Mack, who owns the raided restaurants, insisted that his businesses require employees to provide documentation.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
USA Today
September 22, 2008
RENO, Nev. (AP) — More than half of the undocumented workers arrested in immigration raids on McDonald's restaurants were released Friday for "humanitarian purposes" while they await an appearance in immigration court, a federal official said Friday.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement revised the number of people arrested the day before to 54, down from 56. Seven were being deported to Mexico because of pervious immigration violations, and 17 remained in custody, ICE spokesman Richard Rocha said.
Humanitarian purposes can include such things as a medical condition or being the sole caregiver to children, he said, stressing that no children were left unattended as a result of the arrests.
The investigation began five months ago and was sparked by an identity theft complaint. A local law enforcement agency then gave ICE information that illegal immigrants were working at specific McDonald's restaurants, he said.
Luther Mack, who owns the raided restaurants, insisted that his businesses require employees to provide documentation.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
7 arrested Mexicans free to find jobs after agreeing to aid probe
Illegal workers given permits
7 arrested Mexicans free to find jobs after agreeing to aid probe
September 21, 2008
Staff Writer, Honolulu Advertiser
Last week, Floro Mendez-Sanchez, an admitted illegal immigrant from Mexico, was locked away in Honolulu's Federal Detention Center, facing up to six months in prison and deportation for using false identity papers to work as a farm laborer in Waipahu.
This week, Mendez-Sanchez, 24, is out of jail, living at the YMCA and holder of a temporary work permit issued by the federal government that allows him to legally look for a new job.
Mendez-Sanchez and six others still face prison time and deportation, but because they pleaded guilty to immigration crimes and agreed to cooperate in an ongoing federal investigation of the company that employed them, they have temporary liberty and permission to enter Hawai'i's workforce.
It's part of what U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren, who has approved a handful of the plea deals, said in court Wednesday is an "extraordinary" new development for law enforcement agencies targeting companies and middlemen that profit from the employment of illegal aliens in the Islands.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080921/NEWS21/809210353/1001/LOCALNEWSFRONT
7 arrested Mexicans free to find jobs after agreeing to aid probe
September 21, 2008
Staff Writer, Honolulu Advertiser
Last week, Floro Mendez-Sanchez, an admitted illegal immigrant from Mexico, was locked away in Honolulu's Federal Detention Center, facing up to six months in prison and deportation for using false identity papers to work as a farm laborer in Waipahu.
This week, Mendez-Sanchez, 24, is out of jail, living at the YMCA and holder of a temporary work permit issued by the federal government that allows him to legally look for a new job.
Mendez-Sanchez and six others still face prison time and deportation, but because they pleaded guilty to immigration crimes and agreed to cooperate in an ongoing federal investigation of the company that employed them, they have temporary liberty and permission to enter Hawai'i's workforce.
It's part of what U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren, who has approved a handful of the plea deals, said in court Wednesday is an "extraordinary" new development for law enforcement agencies targeting companies and middlemen that profit from the employment of illegal aliens in the Islands.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080921/NEWS21/809210353/1001/LOCALNEWSFRONT
Friday, September 19, 2008
43 detainees deported
43 detainees deported
Hattiesburg American
September 18, 2008
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Forty-three suspected illegal immigrants have been deported less than a month after being captured in the nation’s largest single-site raid on undocumented workers, an immigration official said Thursday.
Nearly 600 workers at Howard Industries’ transformer factory in Laurel were rounded up Aug. 25 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Two others left the country voluntarily.
Most of those who haven’t been deported are being held in a Louisiana detention facility awaiting hearings. More than 100 others — mostly women with children — were fitted with monitoring devices after the raid and ordered to appear in court.
“Everyone has due process of law,” said ICE spokeswoman Barbara Gonzalez. “There’s obviously an appellate process as well. If individuals are ordered deported and they want to appeal that to the Board of Immigration Appeals they’re in their right to do so.”
Nine people detained in the raid face federal charges related to identity theft, according to court records.
Check Friday's Hattiesburg American for details.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080918/NEWS01/80918029
Hattiesburg American
September 18, 2008
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Forty-three suspected illegal immigrants have been deported less than a month after being captured in the nation’s largest single-site raid on undocumented workers, an immigration official said Thursday.
Nearly 600 workers at Howard Industries’ transformer factory in Laurel were rounded up Aug. 25 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Two others left the country voluntarily.
Most of those who haven’t been deported are being held in a Louisiana detention facility awaiting hearings. More than 100 others — mostly women with children — were fitted with monitoring devices after the raid and ordered to appear in court.
“Everyone has due process of law,” said ICE spokeswoman Barbara Gonzalez. “There’s obviously an appellate process as well. If individuals are ordered deported and they want to appeal that to the Board of Immigration Appeals they’re in their right to do so.”
Nine people detained in the raid face federal charges related to identity theft, according to court records.
Check Friday's Hattiesburg American for details.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080918/NEWS01/80918029
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Immigration raid nets 15 in Greenfield
Immigration raid nets 15 in Greenfield
September 12, 2008
By SUNITA VIJAYAN
The Salinas Californian
An immigration sweep in a south Monterey County city Thursday netted the arrest of 15 residents, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official said this afternoon.
Lori Haley, a spokeswoman, said a fugitive operation team from the department received tips and proceeded with the operation to raid homes across the Greenfield area.
The 15 arrested included 10 men and five women, Haley said. All were from Mexico. Six were identified as fugitives — foreign nationals who specifically failed to comply with orders for deportation by U.S. immigration courts.
She said one of the people arrested had a criminal record. “The rest were identified as being in the country illegally,” Haley said.
All but one of the 15 people arrested have been deported back to Mexico.In the past 11 months of this fiscal year, which began in October, ICE fugitive operations teams have arrested more than 30,000 people nationwide.
Read more in tomorrow's Salinas Californian.
http://thecalifornian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/NEWS01/80912029/1002
September 12, 2008
By SUNITA VIJAYAN
The Salinas Californian
An immigration sweep in a south Monterey County city Thursday netted the arrest of 15 residents, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official said this afternoon.
Lori Haley, a spokeswoman, said a fugitive operation team from the department received tips and proceeded with the operation to raid homes across the Greenfield area.
The 15 arrested included 10 men and five women, Haley said. All were from Mexico. Six were identified as fugitives — foreign nationals who specifically failed to comply with orders for deportation by U.S. immigration courts.
She said one of the people arrested had a criminal record. “The rest were identified as being in the country illegally,” Haley said.
All but one of the 15 people arrested have been deported back to Mexico.In the past 11 months of this fiscal year, which began in October, ICE fugitive operations teams have arrested more than 30,000 people nationwide.
Read more in tomorrow's Salinas Californian.
http://thecalifornian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/NEWS01/80912029/1002
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Deputies raid candlemaker in Chandler; 65 are arrested
Deputies raid candlemaker in Chandler; 65 are arrested
by Megan Boehnke and JJ Hensley
Sept. 11, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
For the third time in less than three months, Sheriff's deputies have raided a Valley business, this time a south Chandler candle-making company, and used the state's employer-sanctions law to round up suspected undocumented workers and investigate whether executives knowingly hired them.
The raid at Gold Canyon Candle Company on Wednesday resulted in 65 arrests, including 23 for identity theft, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office announced.
Deputies held 300 employees for about six hours inside the company headquarters on Arizona Avenue and Riggs Road, where its manufacturing plant and distribution centers are also housed, refusing to let anyone in or out of the building, company spokeswoman Rebecca Clyde said.
"Even the executives aren't being allowed to leave. They probably haven't even had lunch yet," Clyde said Wednesday afternoon outside the building.
She said when the company attorney tried to verify the names of the wanted or to see the arrests firsthand, authorities rejected him.
"That's a problem because obviously we'd like to know, and we've been denied a lot of information," Clyde said.
The series of raids continue to snare employees but have not resulted in the arrests of any business owners.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/09/11/20080911chandlerraid0911.html
by Megan Boehnke and JJ Hensley
Sept. 11, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
For the third time in less than three months, Sheriff's deputies have raided a Valley business, this time a south Chandler candle-making company, and used the state's employer-sanctions law to round up suspected undocumented workers and investigate whether executives knowingly hired them.
The raid at Gold Canyon Candle Company on Wednesday resulted in 65 arrests, including 23 for identity theft, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office announced.
Deputies held 300 employees for about six hours inside the company headquarters on Arizona Avenue and Riggs Road, where its manufacturing plant and distribution centers are also housed, refusing to let anyone in or out of the building, company spokeswoman Rebecca Clyde said.
"Even the executives aren't being allowed to leave. They probably haven't even had lunch yet," Clyde said Wednesday afternoon outside the building.
She said when the company attorney tried to verify the names of the wanted or to see the arrests firsthand, authorities rejected him.
"That's a problem because obviously we'd like to know, and we've been denied a lot of information," Clyde said.
The series of raids continue to snare employees but have not resulted in the arrests of any business owners.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/09/11/20080911chandlerraid0911.html
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Workers in Mississippiprotest ICE factory raid
Workers in Mississippiprotest ICE factory raid
BY SUSAN LAMONTAND CLAY
September 15, 2008
The Militant
DENNISON LAUREL, Mississippi—More than 50 workers held silent protests outside the gates of the Howard Industries plant August 28 and 29, demanding the company turn over paychecks owed to some 595 workers arrested August 25 in a massive immigration raid at the company’s plant here.
Workers organized the protest with help from the Mississippi Immigrants’ Rights Alliance, which is aiding with legal defense for the workers and assistance for their families. The group says the protests will continue until workers get their checks.
The company released some checks the first day. However, when workers returned August 29 signs were posted that the company would not release any more checks, regardless of identification. Several pickets reported that some U.S.-born workers coming out of the plant embraced them and expressed concern about what had happened.
The mass arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), make this the largest single worksite raid to date.
Most of those arrested are being held at the federal detention center in Jena, Louisiana. About 100 workers were released to care for small children or other family members. They must wear GPS ankle bracelets and cannot return to work or leave the state.
http://www.themilitant.com/2008/7236/723604.html
BY SUSAN LAMONTAND CLAY
September 15, 2008
The Militant
DENNISON LAUREL, Mississippi—More than 50 workers held silent protests outside the gates of the Howard Industries plant August 28 and 29, demanding the company turn over paychecks owed to some 595 workers arrested August 25 in a massive immigration raid at the company’s plant here.
Workers organized the protest with help from the Mississippi Immigrants’ Rights Alliance, which is aiding with legal defense for the workers and assistance for their families. The group says the protests will continue until workers get their checks.
The company released some checks the first day. However, when workers returned August 29 signs were posted that the company would not release any more checks, regardless of identification. Several pickets reported that some U.S.-born workers coming out of the plant embraced them and expressed concern about what had happened.
The mass arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), make this the largest single worksite raid to date.
Most of those arrested are being held at the federal detention center in Jena, Louisiana. About 100 workers were released to care for small children or other family members. They must wear GPS ankle bracelets and cannot return to work or leave the state.
http://www.themilitant.com/2008/7236/723604.html
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Feds raid 7 fast-food restaurants in NCCo
Feds raid 7 fast-food restaurants in NCCo
26 of 27 unauthorized workers from Mexico
August 30, 2008
By SUMMER HARLOW and SEAN O'SULLIVAN
The News Journal (Delaware)
Immigration authorities have targeted seven Burger King restaurants in New Castle County for routinely hiring undocumented workers, according to a federal search warrant unsealed this week.
The search warrant, signed Aug. 8, indicates a magistrate judge found probable cause "for evidence of violations of immigration laws by illegal aliens" at seven franchise locations across the county.
Twenty-seven unauthorized workers, 26 from Mexico and one from El Salvador, were arrested
Aug. 13, Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Mike Gilhooly said. Seven men and seven women were detained, while 13 women were released for humanitarian reasons, such as being the sole caregiver for a relative, or health reasons. None of those arrested had a prior criminal record and only one had previously been deported, Gilhooly said, adding no other details about those arrested was available.
A total of 78 employees -- between eight and 18 per location -- suspected of illegally working at the restaurants were identified in the search warrant filed in U.S. District Court in Wilmington.
The investigation is ongoing, Gilhooly said.
All seven restaurants were owned by the same franchise, according to the documents. Investigators targeted the business because it is part of a "high risk industry" for violating employment laws and has been "the subject of prior leads."
According to court papers, a December review of a sample of work papers on file for employees at the franchise revealed 64 percent of the forms had alien registration numbers that had expired, didn't match the employees' names or never were issued by ICE.
Because of the unusually high percentage, more of the franchise's employee forms were checked and more problems were discovered.
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080830/NEWS/808300349
26 of 27 unauthorized workers from Mexico
August 30, 2008
By SUMMER HARLOW and SEAN O'SULLIVAN
The News Journal (Delaware)
Immigration authorities have targeted seven Burger King restaurants in New Castle County for routinely hiring undocumented workers, according to a federal search warrant unsealed this week.
The search warrant, signed Aug. 8, indicates a magistrate judge found probable cause "for evidence of violations of immigration laws by illegal aliens" at seven franchise locations across the county.
Twenty-seven unauthorized workers, 26 from Mexico and one from El Salvador, were arrested
Aug. 13, Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Mike Gilhooly said. Seven men and seven women were detained, while 13 women were released for humanitarian reasons, such as being the sole caregiver for a relative, or health reasons. None of those arrested had a prior criminal record and only one had previously been deported, Gilhooly said, adding no other details about those arrested was available.
A total of 78 employees -- between eight and 18 per location -- suspected of illegally working at the restaurants were identified in the search warrant filed in U.S. District Court in Wilmington.
The investigation is ongoing, Gilhooly said.
All seven restaurants were owned by the same franchise, according to the documents. Investigators targeted the business because it is part of a "high risk industry" for violating employment laws and has been "the subject of prior leads."
According to court papers, a December review of a sample of work papers on file for employees at the franchise revealed 64 percent of the forms had alien registration numbers that had expired, didn't match the employees' names or never were issued by ICE.
Because of the unusually high percentage, more of the franchise's employee forms were checked and more problems were discovered.
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080830/NEWS/808300349
Agriprocessors plant searched
www.gazetteonline.com
Agriprocessors plant searched
Article published: Aug 29, 2008
POSTVILLE The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and assisting agencies executed a search warrant today at the Agriprocessors plant in Postville.
Bob Brammer, spokesman for Iowa Attorney General's Office said no arrests were made today and no further information was available.
The office is serving as the prosecutor in the enforcement of state laws in connection with investigations stemming from the May 12 raid at the meat processing plant.
The Allamakee County Attorney requested the Attorney General's Office to take on this role.
More than 300 illegal workers arrested in May at the Postville plant have been charged and sentenced for using false identification to obtain jobs and other federal charges. Some received prison time and others were sentenced to probation and deported.
Two supervisors at the plant recently pleaded to charges of aiding and abetting workers in obtaining false identification and hiring illegal immigrants.
The investigation is ongoing.
http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080829/NEWS/708299920/0/business
Agriprocessors plant searched
Article published: Aug 29, 2008
POSTVILLE The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and assisting agencies executed a search warrant today at the Agriprocessors plant in Postville.
Bob Brammer, spokesman for Iowa Attorney General's Office said no arrests were made today and no further information was available.
The office is serving as the prosecutor in the enforcement of state laws in connection with investigations stemming from the May 12 raid at the meat processing plant.
The Allamakee County Attorney requested the Attorney General's Office to take on this role.
More than 300 illegal workers arrested in May at the Postville plant have been charged and sentenced for using false identification to obtain jobs and other federal charges. Some received prison time and others were sentenced to probation and deported.
Two supervisors at the plant recently pleaded to charges of aiding and abetting workers in obtaining false identification and hiring illegal immigrants.
The investigation is ongoing.
http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080829/NEWS/708299920/0/business
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