Four Guatemalan employees of a car wash in Southington were arrested Thursday by federal agents, who say the employees lacked authorization to work in the United States.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office in Hartford were conducting a “random worksite enforcement outreach” initiative at D-Hand Car Wash on Monday, when they located the undocumented immigrants.
ICE enforces business compliance with federal employment eligibility requirements and conducts worksite visits targeting employers that violate employment laws, according to an announcement from the agency.
“Ensuring compliance with federal employment laws is crucial to maintaining a fair and competitive business environment,” said HSI-New England’s Special-Agent-in-Charge Michael J. Krol. “Businesses, such as D-Hand, that employ unauthorized workers not only undermine the integrity of our immigration system but also gain an unfair advantage over law-abiding companies. HSI is committed to identifying and addressing these violations to protect both the legal workforce and honest businesses.”
A worker found to be in violation of U.S. immigration laws during a site visit may be arrested, detained and removed from the country, ICE said.
