During the 2012 fiscal year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) fined 10 businesses in San Diego and Imperial counties more than $173,800 for hiring “unlawful” employees.
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ICE Fines San Diego, Imperial County Businesses More Than $173,800
The numbers released Tuesday represent an 18 percent increase in fine totals from the previous fiscal year.
ICE and Homeland Security Investigation found the 10 businesses below hired undocumented workers by auditing their 1-9 forms, the documents used to verify an employee's work eligibility.
Employer audits have become a growing part of the Obama administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. Under George W. Bush, ICE employed frequent workplace raids that arrested illegal immigrants on the job, but the Obama administration has said targeting employers is more effective and humane.
In a news release the agency stated, "In fiscal year 2012, HSI conducted 151 worksite audits in San Diego and Imperial counties, compared to 86 audits the previous year and 63 audits in fiscal year 2010.“
Below, in alphabetical order, is a list of the businesses’ final fine notices from ICE in fiscal year 2012: Aquarius Yacht Services - $13,744 fine Balboa Ambulance Incorporated - $50,000 fine El Sol Meat Market - $24,050 fine Harmony Egg Farm - $9,000 fine International Consolidated Cargo - $7,480 fine Mexicali Chicken and Salad - $21,500 fine Old Town Buffet - $15,000 fine Rocha Trucking & Parking Inc. - $8,000 fine Stanford Sign and Awning Inc. - $9,600 fine TDG Aerospace - $15,427.50 fine
Employment verification is central to the national debate on immigration reform. Lawmakers are exploring how Arizona’s laws requiring E-Verify work, and if it could be a model for the nation.