ICE arrests 12 illegal immigrants in South Texas workplace enforcement

On Monday, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted two worksite enforcement operations in South Texas, resulting in the apprehensions of 12 illegal immigrants. The raids, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Rio Grande Valley Office, were conducted at businesses in Harlington and San Benito.

ICE said in a press release that during the operation, an apprehended female illegal immigrant allegedly assaulted a special agent and is now facing two counts of assault on a federal officer. The federal immigration agency did not disclose the identities of the individuals taken into custody, but said all of them are "currently pending removal proceedings."

"ICE's worksite enforcement strategy often intersects with other criminal investigations involving alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, document fraud, worker exploitation, and substandard wages or working conditions," the agency said.

In a statement to the Border Report, the agency said ICE is "aware of concerns circulating throughout South Texas regarding reports of widespread immigration raids. We want to assure the community that these rumors are often exaggerated and can cause unnecessary panic. ICE Homeland Security Investigations conducts enforcement operations based on credible evidence - not indiscriminate or widespread raids."

HSI conducted the June 9 operations with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). ICE HSI announced in April that more than $1 million in fines have been issued against businesses for hiring illegal labor since mass deportation operations began in January following President Trump taking office.

"Businesses that exploit and hire illegal workers are harming the American public," said HSI acting Director Robert Hammer in an April press release. "ICE's statutory duties include protecting Americans and enforcing more than 400 laws that relate to immigration, so there are two aspects to our worksite enforcement operations."

The agency has vowed to continue prosecuting businesses who "exploit alien workers." HSI did not disclose the names of the two businesses impacted by Monday's raids.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing (866) 347-2423 or completing the online tip form.