In what officials are calling one of the most significant worksite enforcement actions in recent times, 57 individuals were taken into custody at a business in Cayuga County, New York, on September 4. The sweep also resulted in five arrests on charges of illegal reentry into the United States after a prior removal. The individuals facing criminal charges include Alex Ben Chipin, a/k/a Alex Ben-Chiping, a/k/a Alex Bing-Chiping, a/k/a Antonio Lopez-Mendez; Argentina Juarez-Lopez; Luis Jom-Morales; Gregorio Baldemar Ramirez-Perez; and Francisco Salvardo-Mora, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York.
While the charges against these defendants are serious and carry a maximum term of two years in prison, it is important to note that they are still accusations. "The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty," Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated in the announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The remaining 52 individuals were detained administratively, pending immigration proceedings.
"Our worksite enforcement actions will ensure that those jobs go to people who are authorized to work in the United States, and not to aliens who illegally re-enter our country after prior deportations," Sarcone III stated. He emphasized that employers in the Northern District of New York should be aware of the criminal investigation risks involving the employment of non-citizens not authorized to work in the United States, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan from HSI Buffalo highlighted the collaborative efforts of the operation. "Today’s announcement underscores the continued coordination of law enforcement partners with the goal of uncovering possibly dangerous or abusive business practices and, in turn, protecting the public from labor exploitation," Keegan said, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This operation also demonstrates the agencies' commitment to protecting workers' rights, ensuring labor and immigration law compliance, and safeguarding the nation's workforce integrity.
The investigation is being conducted by numerous agencies, including HSI, Border Patrol, and IRS-CI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Marshals Service, the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry is prosecuting the cases.
