March 29, 2007

More ICE Raids

On March 29, 2007, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a major worksite enforcement operation, as part of a criminal investigation, in Baltimore, Maryland. This operation was more than a “raid”. ICE agents executed a criminal search warrant, civil (administrative) warrants, and conducted consent searches at various business locations. ICE focused it investigation on the source of the unauthorized employees- a temporary employment agency. The criminal search warrant was executed at Jones Industrial Network (JIN). JIN had contracts with numerous businesses in the Baltimore area providing them with staffing. ICE conducted additional searches at those businesses that had contracted with JIN. Fifty (50) arrests were made today but it is expected additional arrests will follow. Businesses must be cognizant of their relationships with the employment agencies that they use. All contractual agreements should be carefully worded to ensure that such agencies are complying with Federal Immigration law. GT can assist your company with reviewing these issues and the use of staffing agencies in an effort to limit your liability.