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Immigration authorities arrest Logan Airport workers
March 25, 2005

BOSTON -- Immigration authorities arrested 14 janitorial workers Friday at Logan International Airport, as part of an ongoing effort to crack down on illegal employees at the facility.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said one of the workers was already wanted in connection with an outstanding deportation order, and will be deported. All 14 are citizens of Brazil, and two are juveniles, ICE said. The agency did not indicate the juveniles' ages.

The agency said it will begin deportation proceedings against 13 of those arrested.

The arrests were part of an ongoing nationwide effort, called "Operation Tarmac," which targets employers and unauthorized workers who have access to sensitive areas at airports.

There was no indication that any of those arrested were involved in any terrorist activity, ICE said.

The workers were employed by Hurley of America, a contract company that provides cleaning services at the airport. ICE said the workers all had temporary badges that gave them access beyond the security screening area.

Janet Walsh, director of human resources at Stoneham-based Hurley of America, said the company screens its employees rigorously, including drug and criminal background checks. She said the company is confident that the workers' documentation is legitimate.

She said the temporary badges assigned to employees only allow access beyond screening areas if they are escorted by someone who can see them from within 10 feet.

The Massachusetts Port Authority, which runs the airport and took part in the investigation, said seven of the 14 cleaning workers using temporary badges were not accompanied by a fully-badged escort as required by security rules.

Massport said it was reviewing all temporary badges and procedures after the arrests.

Massport said Hurley, which employs about 150 people at the airport, could be subject to fines in addition to any federal action.