El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted a worksite enforcement operation at Chavos Tires in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania on February 21. During this operation, three employees were found to be unlawfully present in the United States. These individuals were interviewed and subsequently arrested for administrative immigration violations. They are currently detained pending removal proceedings. One of those arrested has a prior criminal record involving driving under the influence and assault.

Edward V. Owens, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge, commented on the operation: "The worksite enforcement operation at Chavos Tires is a prime example of our commitment to upholding the laws established by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. By ensuring employers hire legally verified employees, we help protect jobs for U.S. citizens and lawfully employed individuals, eliminate unfair competitive advantages, and strengthen public safety and national security.” He further emphasized that “the arrest of three individuals unlawfully present in the United States underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to promote compliance with U.S. employment laws and deter illegal employment practices."

This investigation was initiated after ICE received information suggesting that Chavos Tires was hiring illegal aliens and potentially engaging in labor exploitation. The inquiry into these business operations continues.

Federal law mandates that employers verify both identity and employment eligibility for all hires using Form I-9 for Employment Eligibility Verification. ICE utilizes its I-9 inspection program as part of a broader strategy to enforce compliance with employment laws, serving as one of several tools available to ensure adherence to U.S. regulations.

ICE's strategy for worksite enforcement involves multiple investigative disciplines since such investigations can uncover additional criminal activities like alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, document fraud, worker exploitation or substandard wage conditions.

The agency employs a three-pronged approach focusing on compliance through I-9 inspections along with civil fines or debarment referrals; enforcement via criminal arrests of employers; as well as administrative arrests targeting unauthorized workers.