El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a worksite enforcement operation in Jackson, Mississippi, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals. The arrests followed a traffic stop by state police on February 26, where two vehicles were pulled over, revealing the presence of seven undocumented immigrants from Guatemala and El Salvador.

The individuals were employees of 3 J Underground LLC, a company based in Byhalia that installs fiber optic cables for phone and internet services. The company's owner, a naturalized U.S. citizen, arrived at the scene along with another employee who is a lawful permanent resident from El Salvador. When questioned by ICE agents, the owner stated he did not require his employees to complete any paperwork upon hiring.

ICE agents informed the owner about federal requirements mandating employers to verify employment eligibility through Form I-9 and supporting identity documents. As part of this operation, ICE administratively arrested the seven undocumented workers.

Federal law requires employers to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all hires using Form I-9 documentation. This measure is part of ICE's broader strategy to ensure compliance with U.S. employment laws and deter illegal employment practices.

The agency's worksite enforcement strategy also includes investigating potential additional criminal activities such as alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, document fraud, worker exploitation, and substandard working conditions.