[ABC 10News] Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided 77 business in the Bay Area throughout the week, according to KRON.A statement released by ICE says the raids happened between January 29 and January 31. The raids happened in the San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento areas. A list of locations raided has yet to be released.
"From Jan. 29 to 31, 2018, ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents served notices of inspection (NOIs), also known as I-9 audit notices, to approximately 77 businesses across the San Francisco area of responsibility. A notice of inspection alerts a business owner that HSI is going to audit their hiring records to determine whether or not they are in compliance with the law. Employers are required to produce their company's I-9s within three business days, after which HSI will conduct an inspection for compliance.
ICE Deputy Director Tom Homan previously stated that he has directed Homeland Security Investigations to step up worksite enforcement ‐ to include conducting more I-9 audits in furtherance of pursuing more criminal investigations.
The actions taken this week reflect HSI's stepped-up efforts to enforce the laws that prohibit businesses from hiring illegal workers. HSI's worksite enforcement strategy is focused on protecting jobs for U.S. citizens and others who are lawfully employed, eliminating unfair competitive advantages for companies that hire an illegal workforce, and strengthening public safety and national security.
NOIs were served in San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, and throughout the AOR.