7 undocumented workers detained at new Yuma school

Associated Press
Oct. 12, 2006 12:26 PM

YUMA - Immigration agents who raided the construction site of Yuma's newest high school said they detained seven workers without documentation allowing them to work in the U.S., officials said.

Five of the seven workers gave up their right to appear before a judge and agreed to be repatriated to their home nations, said Russell Ahr, a spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The other two will face deportation hearings. The nationalities of those being held wasn't available.

About 200 workers were on the job early Tuesday at the new $50 million Gila Ridge High School when about 50 agents from ICE and the Border Patrol descended on the site. Searchers also served search warrants on the offices of a contractor.
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Ahr said on Wednesday that criminal charges are possible against the contractors that hired the undocumented workers.

The owner of the company overseeing subcontractors on the project said he has been told some of the men may have had illegal papers.

Jim Pilkington, owner of Pilkington Construction Co., said his company asks for the proper documentation from potential employees, including a driver's license, Social Security card and eligibility verification forms.

He said the raid was needed to ensure that the laws are being followed, but said his firm follows the rules.

"The industry is controlling itself, and being so close to the border, why wouldn't we?" Pilkington said. "I double and triple check all my employees."

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