Delaware businesses are on notice that federal authorities will look for undocumented workers.
The New York Times reported that Delaware was among the states targeted in the effort late last by the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Delawareonline reported that two 7-11 stores were part of the effort that included demands for employment records and checking on the status of workers in the state. The website was not able to identify the stores.
“Today’s actions send a strong message to U.S. 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,” stated Thomas D. Homan, ICE deputy 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.”
Industry groups have been warning employers that stepped up enforcement was underway under the Trump Administration.
The inspections are one of a number of tools used by ICE to enforce immigration laws. Also employed in the past were raids of large employers in areas such as meatpacking.
ICE officials indicated that all types of businesses will be subject to stepped-up enforcement.
7-11 stores are franchised, and raid/ inspections send a message to franchisors who have an arms-length relationship with the franchisees but can strongly encourage compliance by threatening to end agreements.
At the same time, many non-franchised small businesses may be willing to take the risk in a labor market with shortages of skilled and unskilled workers.
