ICE Agents Arrest 280 Employees At Business In Allen For Immigration Violations
ALLEN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have arrested more than 280 employees at a business in Allen for administrative immigration violations.
Authorities were at CVE Technology Group in the 900 block of Enterprise Boulevard early Wednesday afternoon.
The company refurbishes and repairs telecommunications equipment like cell phones and other electronic devices.
This investigation began after ICE received tips the company may have knowingly hired people in the U.S. illegally.
This was the largest arrest operation at one site in ten years, investigators said during a Wednesday afternoon news conference.
HSI's Special Agent in Charge for the Dallas area, Katrina Berger, said investigators received multiple tips the company may have knowingly hired illegal aliens -- which is against the law.
The agency began an audit of the company's I-9 forms which confirmed numerous hiring irregularities.
Investigators say they found numerous hiring irregularities.
"We need integrity in our immigration systems. Illegal workers, these companies need to go about it properly. They need to be using a legal workforce. It's required by law," said Berger.
CBS 11 spoke with one man whose fiancée was among those detained Wednesday.
Edgar Arrubla said she is from Colombia and here in the U.S. on a tourist visa, but she's not authorized to work here.
He said they're scheduled to get married in May.
"I feel scared, really scared right now about what might happen to her," said Arrubla.
CBS 11 asked Berger if any managers at the firm were detained today, but she wouldn't comment on that.
The criminal investigation is ongoing.
In the meantime, the agency said they will be interviewing all 280 people they detained to determine if there are any medical or humanitarian issues.
But ICE said those arrested will be processed for deportation
ICE said it received multiple tips about the goings on at CVE.
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