Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents apprehended 17 illegal immigrants who lied about their work status at a business in Kent, Wash., this week.
The arrests, made at Eagle Beverage and Accessories Products in Kent, were criticized by locals in comments made to the media, but ICE said the illegals submitted fraudulent employment documents.
ICE, which was assisted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, enforced a federal warrant on the business “based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the unlawful employment of aliens without legal work authorization in violation of federal law,” the agency told KOMO News.
“As a result of the operation, 17 aliens who had fraudulently represented their immigration status and submitted fraudulent documents and/or information to seek employment were administratively arrested,” the agency added.
“Almost tears at this point,” an anonymous man wearing sunglasses and a face cover told KOMO News. “This is really not what America is supposed to be like. This just … it’s wrong.”
The company says on its website it is a manufacturing and bottling brand that’s “proud to be certified minority and women owned.”
ICE added: “Worksite enforcement investigations focus on reducing illegal employment, holding employers accountable and protecting employment opportunities for the country’s lawful workforce.”
ICE also raided a roofing company in Bellingham last month that led to the arrest of 37 illegal immigrants.
