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Fischer Site Raided Again For Illegal Workers

LAST UPDATE: 8/23/2006 6:50:10 PM


It's been three months since federal authorities raided local construction sites for illegal workers, but apparently little has changed on those job sites. On May 9, federal investigators raided numerous Fischer Home Builders construction sites, arresting more than 90 illegal aliens. While that case continues in the federal courts, Local 12 has learned that just a few days ago, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement returned again to one of those same sites and arrested even more illegals. In this Exclusive story, Local 12's Rich Jaffe says Fischer continues to say they know nothing about illegals on their job sites.

On August 11, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up for the second time at the Tara Development in Boone County. According to the federal complaint, when they arrived at this intersection they observed what they believed to be illegal workers on this job site. Some were arrested, some ran, and were arrested later. Arrested for being in the country illegally were Juan Diciplina, Sapamandapio Hernandez, Pablo Tovar, and Angel Samano. Samano was deported once before two years ago. All clearly identify Fischer as their employer. At the time of the first raid, Fischer President Robert Hawksley said the illegals work for subcontractors, not Fischer.

"Fischer Homes utilizes a rigorous screening process for all of its employees, including citizenship verification...Fischer Homes does not in any way condone the hiring or use of illegal immigrants..."

In the initial raid, four Fischer supervisors, including Doug Witt were also indicted. The location raided this month is also Doug Witt's construction site. The job site where federal officials say a group of illegal construction workers was working is literally a stones throw away from the Fischer construction trailer where Doug Witt has his office. There's even a sign here that says clearly...only workers authorized to work in the United States are allowed to work on this job site. All others will be considered trespassing and will be subject to arrest, deportation and possible civil action. Today, while inside the trailer, Witt wasn't saying much.

"The point of this is you're already indicted...right...for employing...no comment...illlegal aliens...no thank you...the question is why are they still working on your job site?(door closes)."

Rich Jaffe, Local 12.

The public relations agency handling Fischer wouldn't let Bob Hawksley comment on camera regarding the ongoing problems on their job sites. They did however send us a prepared statement which reads in part...

"None of the four allegedly illegal immigrants who were arrested were employees of Fischer Homes."

They also point out that they have posted the signs you saw in Rich's story on their job sites, and say "all Fischer Homes' sub-contractors have certified in writing that they will only use workers eligible to work in the United States."