http://www.axcessnews.com/modules/wfsec ... cleid=8739

March 20, 2006

Illegal Aliens Captured Working at Naval Undersea Warfare Center

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By Jim Kouri

(AXcess News) New York - Federal agents arrested three Guatemalan nationals and one Colombian national who were all working illegally for AID Maintenance, a Rhode Island-based company that provides contract cleaning services to both the the Naval Undersea Warfare Center and the Naval Station in Newport R.I.

In Monday's operation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents apprehended the individuals as they reported for work at the base. The workers, who had access badges authorizing them to enter the Naval Station, were identified after agents audited the hiring records of more than 250 AID Maintenance workers. The audit found deficiencies in more than 50% of the records of the employees on the company's payroll.

This operation is part of ICE's worksite enforcement efforts focusing on businesses with ties to security sensitive sites and critical infrastructure facilities—including airports, military bases, and bio-agriculture industries.

Unauthorized workers with access to such sites are vulnerable to exploitation by terrorists, smugglers, traffickers, or other criminals. The Newport Naval Station houses the Naval War College, which provides training to students from around the world, and also houses the Naval Justice School, the Surface Warfare Officer's School, the Naval Chaplain School, the Officer Indoctrination School, and the Officer Candidate School as well as others.

"One of our highest worksite enforcement priorities is safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive security sites from the presence of unauthorized individuals," said Matthew J. Etre acting special agent-in-charge of ICE in New England. "Working hand-in-hand with these facilities, ICE agents are able to identify gaps in security and shut down potential vulnerabilities to our national security."

The aliens arrested have been placed in removal proceedings, and will appear before a federal immigration judge who will determine whether they should be deported.

A termination notice has been served on AID Maintenance informing them that 140 of their employees are not authorized employment in the United States. The Homeland Security Department is continuing to investigate this case.