ICE arrests 11 illegal aliens during Lowell worksite enforcement operation

LOWELL, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal law enforcement partners arrested 11 illegal aliens during a worksite enforcement operation targeting a business with alleged unauthorized hiring practices in Lowell May 16.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers conducted the arrests at a staging area for a Massachusetts-based roofing business. After interviews and records checks, 11 individuals were arrested for being illegally present in the United States. The individuals arrested are all Ecuadorian citizens.

ICE HSI New England Worksite Enforcement group led the investigation with support from ICE ERO Boston, DEA New England division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Boston field division.

Federal law requires employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals they hire, using the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. ICE uses the I-9 inspection program to promote compliance with these requirements, as part of a broader strategy to address and deter the employment of unauthorized workers. These inspections are among the federal government’s most effective tools to enforce U.S. employment laws.

HSI’s worksite enforcement strategy includes leveraging the agency’s full range of investigative capabilities. Worksite investigations often uncover additional criminal activity such as alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, document fraud, worker exploitation, and substandard wages or working conditions.

Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.