Thread: Record Increase in Worksite Enforcement Activity

Morton Announces Record Increase in Worksite Enforcement Activity

by Kevin Lashuson 13. Oct, 2011

[Editor's Note: today's blog is courtesy of Kevin Lashus of Jackson Lewis LLP]

Yesterday before testifying before the House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement, John Morton—Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—announced record numbers of worksite enforcement investigations, criminal prosecutions, and administrative-fine-awards.

As the investigative arm of the US Department of Homeland Security, ICE’s primary mission is to promote homeland security and public safety through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.

A primary part of its internal immigration enforcement effort is ICE’s pursuit of employers that recruit, hire, and continue to employ unauthorized foreign nationals. ICE’s comprehensive worksite enforcement strategy is focused on deterring unlawful employment. ICE believes its increased investigative activity will have the effect of driving all employers toward instituting fairly conservative standard operating procedures to cultivate a culture of compliance with the nation’s immigration-related employment laws. In his testimony, Morton indicated that the Administration is focused on conducting criminal investigations and prosecuting employers who exploit the verification system or abuse their employees.

As of September 17, 2011, ICE instituted 3,015 administrative/criminal investigations—a 54% increase over the FY2008 numbers. In FY2010, ICE arrested and criminally prosecuted 196 owners, HR managers, and executives—a 45% increase over FY2008. ICE refused to release statistics on those employers subject to potential criminal prosecution who negotiated with ICE or the various US Attorneys to instead enter into deferred prosecution agreements.

In FY2011, ICE issued a record 2,393 Notice of Inspection (for federal Forms I-9 and supporting documents), a more than 375% increase from the number issued in FY2008.

This year, ICE issued 331 final administrative fine orders totaling more than $9 million in fines levied on employers compared to 18 final orders issued totaling $675k in FY2008. In addition, FY2010 worksite investigations resulted in a record $36.6M in judicial fines, forfeitures, and restitution.

“Enforcing our immigration priorities and obligations is neither simple nor easy, and we are committed to getting it right. We all agree that we need fair, consistent, and enforceable immigration laws that encourage the free flow of commerce while respecting both security and the rights of individuals,â€

Ya know, maybe it's just me but... this ain't worth a hill of beans if you leave the illegals HERE in the US!

331 fines is less than one a day when we have tens of thousands of companies in America willingly hiring illegals.

And besides, we have all heard that all ICE is doing is fining employers then giving the illegal aliens work permits which are illegal under current Federal law and not authorized by Congress or the American public.

The fact these traitors are willing to try and promote their inadequate enforcement shows how compromised our media has become.

W

Issuing fines is only a fraction of the real action needed. Yes hit the companes hiring illegals but they need to also round up the illegals as well. If they are using false or stolen ID then charge them, if they are just illegally here then deport them. Thats immigration reform, thats law enforcement. Its not backdoor anmyesty nor is it pathways to citizenship.

It's just another "smoke and mirrors" trick to cover for the fact that the border is wide open and we are being invaded . It does no good to deport illegals ,if they are back in days.Or fine employers,when the illegals find "friendlier" states to hide in.

We know the U.S Federalize are working double time stifling great new state laws.
And they still have the audacity, arrogance and hypocrisy to claim pro-active enforcement statistics?
So many "Analogies" come to mind.
Catch and release. Our tax dollars, lives, and safety at work.