photo credit: withGod // Shuttestock
On Wednesday, immigration agents raided 98 7-Eleven stores in 17 different states looking for illegal immigrants. The agents arrested undocumented workers and demand paperwork on employee immigration statuses from mangers and store owners within the next 3 days.
The operation, which led to 21 arrests, is being called the largest immigration action against employers during the Trump presidency.
“Today’s actions send a strong message to U.S. businesses that hire and employ an illegal work force: ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable,” said Thomas D. Homan, the acting director of the agency.
The 7-Eleven company released a statement saying the individual stores are franchises that belong to independent business owners, who “are solely responsible for their employees, including deciding who to hire and verifying their eligibility to work in the United States.”
Trump build his campaign platform on immigration enforcement and building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico. The wall may not be in the near future, but Trump’s enforcement has increased deportation arrested by 40% since he has been in office.
No reason was given for only raiding 7-Eleven stores.
Written by Clarke Jones