US immigration agents raid 98 7-Eleven stores
WASHINGTON: Agents of a US agency that enforces immigration and customs rules raided a large number of 7-Eleven convenience stores around the country, and arrested 21 people who were found to be living in the country illegally.
The raids were conducted on Wednesday at 98 stores in capital Washington and 17 states, including New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Texas and California.
7-Eleven stores are a chain of convenience stores popular with newly minted legal immigrants, a large number of whom are of South Asian descent. But the Immigration and Custom Enforcement, did not share information about the nationality or country of origin of those held.
The individuals arrested face “removal from the country”.
Workplace immigration raids are nothing new. Under George W Bush, agents would raid places that they suspected employed people illegally. Under Barack Obama, agents would conduct inspections of papers employers have to fill up about their workers’ eligibility. The Wednesday raid was similar in nature.
“Today’s actions send a strong message to the US businesses that hire and employ an illegal workforce: ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable,” said Thomas D. Homan, ICE Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director.
“Businesses that hire illegal workers are a pull factor for illegal immigration and we are working hard to remove this magnet. ICE will continue its efforts to protect jobs for American workers by eliminating unfair competitive advantages for companies that exploit illegal immigration.”