46 El Paso Businesses Being Audited By ICE Agency

As the debate over Arizona’s controversial immigration law rages on, the ABC-7 I-team has discovered that nearly 50 El Paso businesses are being audited by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

The 46 El Paso businesses are part of 652 businesses currently the targets of an ICE audit nationwide.

One El Paso immigration attorney says while immigration audits aren’t anything new, this approach is different.

“It’s different than a bunch of guys coming out in flag jackets surrounding the premises asking everyone for documentation,” immigration attorney Kathleen Walker said.

Walker, who is representing a few business owners under investigation, said the government is making money with their new approach.

ICE won’t say which businesses they’re looking at but Walker said, “It’s very typical in the construction industry or in the hospitality industry and so yes, those industries are typically targeted. You might end up with a review order of your I-9 files which have to be in good order.”

Recently the Pro’s Ranch Markets in Phoenix, Ariz. had to fire 300 of their employees after an audit found them to be working in the U.S. Illegally.

According to the company, the workers provided forged documents.

Walker said that is pretty common.

“The typical fake document package will be a combination drivers license or state identification card with a social,” Walker said.

Business owners can face fines from $300-$1,100 per illegal immigrant worker found to be working for the company. Depending on the violation, fines can also come with criminal prosecution.

Walker suggests business owners conduct an internal audit, but make sure and ask for documentation properly.

“It can lead to a discrimination claim against the employer because they’re asking for more than they’re allowed to ask for,” Walker said.