ICE arrests over 1K illegal workers, proposes $1M in fines

WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested over 1,000 illegal alien workers without employment authorization since Jan. 20. The agency’s Homeland Security Investigations directorate is also tasked with holding businesses accountable for hiring illegal aliens.

“This is the highest rate of arrest in HSI’s history,” said HSI acting Director Robert Hammer. “We’ve subpoenaed the business records of about 1,200 businesses, and as part of our review, we’ve proposed close to $1 million in fines.”

In line with President Donald J. Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” HSI is enforcing the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and other federal laws related to illegal entry and unlawful presence in the United States.

“Businesses that exploit and hire illegal workers are harming the American public,” said Hammer. “ICE’s statutory duties include protecting Americans and enforcing more than 400 laws that relate to immigration, so there are two aspects to our worksite enforcement operations.”

The agency has ramped up worksite enforcement efforts over the past two months.

“On April 2, we filed a civil complaint against a Chinese money laundering organization that orders the multimillion-dollar seizure of 14 properties, seven bank accounts and 15 vehicles,” said ICE Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “ICE and the IRS’ Criminal Investigation division investigated the case, in which we allege the money laundering organization operated a staffing company to supply illegal workers to a factory in Ohio and harbored that illegal workforce.”

Other recent worksite enforcement actions include a large-scale operation in Louisiana that resulted in 11 aliens’ arrests, one in Pennsylvania that netted four arrests, and another in New Jersey that put 16 illegal aliens into ICE custody.

Knowingly hiring illegal aliens is a crime, and the federal government will prosecute business owners who exploit alien workers. Employment eligibility verification ensures legal compliance and protects employers from potential consequences.

Businesses can strengthen their hiring practices and ensure 100% compliance with employment eligibility verification by partnering with the federal government through IMAGE. IMAGE is an HSI program that provides cutting-edge training on anti-discrimination, fraudulent documents, forced labor and child labor. Request more information on IMAGE here.

Report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety on X at @ICEgov.