Denver businesses fined over $8M total for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers: ICE
Three businesses in Denver were substantially fined after hiring a total of 143 unauthorized workers, ICE Denver said
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Nearly 150 unauthorized workers have been accounted for among three businesses in Colorado following workplace audits, resulting in more than $8 million in fines.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said its Denver office issued a notice of intent to fine CCS Denver, Inc.; PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems, Inc.; and Green Management Denver.
The fines are a result of "widespread employment eligibility violations," ICE said.
RED STATE BUSINESSES PUT ON NOTICE IF THEY INTENTIONALLY HIRE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: 'STIFF PENALTIES'
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said three businesses in Denver are facing more than $8 million in fines after 143 unauthorized workers were discovered at the facilities. (Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The largest fine — $6,186,171 — went to CCS Denver after ICE discovered a 100% substantive violation rate and evidence of knowingly hiring and employing at least 87 unauthorized workers.
PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems had a 74% violation rate and at least 12 workers were hired and put to work without proper credentials, resulting in a fine of $1,599,510.
Green Management Denver was fined $270,195 after 44 authorized employees were identified, along with a 100% violation rate.
Homeland Security Investigators teamed up with ICE to uncover the crimes at the three facilities. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
"The employment of unauthorized workers undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts law-abiding employers at a disadvantage," said Special Agent in Charge Steve Cagen. "These penalties reinforce our commitment to uphold the law and promote a culture of compliance."
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Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) said its worksite enforcement efforts focus on making sure businesses are following federal employment laws, especially with I-9 audits, civil penalties and criminal prosecution.
HSI said a three-prong approach of Compliance, Enforcement and Outreach is the most efficient way to handle worksite enforcement.
Three businesses in Denver were substantially fined after hiring a total of 143 unauthorized workers, ICE Denver said. (AP Photo/Agustin Herrera / AP Images)