ICE conducts worksite inspections in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, arrested 15 illegal aliens May 27 during a targeted worksite enforcement operation at construction sites in the New Orleans area.

The multiagency operation, directed by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, led to the arrest of 15 illegal aliens from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

“Worksite enforcement investigations focus on reducing illegal employment, holding employers accountable and protecting employment opportunities for the country's lawful workforce,” said ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “HSI New Orleans will continue protecting public safety by enforcing the immigration laws of our nation.”

The main function of ICE HSI’s worksite enforcement program is to assist the field in maintaining the integrity in the U.S. immigration system, ease pressure at the borders, promote self-compliance in the business community, and protect employment opportunities for the nation's workforce.

ICE HSI conducts investigations that target egregious worksite violators. These investigations lead to criminal, civil, or administrative judgments against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers. These actions seek to deter employers who hire unauthorized workers. Investigations often uncover multiple forms of criminal activity, such as human smuggling, document fraud, human rights abuses and other violations linked to the employment of unauthorized workers.

ICE officials have continually emphasized the agency’s continued focus to identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

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.

For more information about ICE HSI New Orleans and its efforts to enhance public safety in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas, follow us on X at @HSINewOrleans.

Learn more about worksite enforcement by visiting ICE’s Worksite Enforcement Investigations.