More than 1,000 unauthorized foreign workers arrested in the United States

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the axiscucion of its largest operation in work centers so far 2025As a result, 1,023 foreign workers who were not legally authorized to work in the country were arrested.

Companies under audit and heavy fines

The operation took place simultaneously in multiple states. In addition to the arrests, ICE notified more than 1,200 companies about the opening of labor inspections. These actions are part of the Form I-9 verification process, which is mandatory for all employers in the United States.

Authorities proposed fines totaling more than $980,000 as sanctions for irregular hiring. ICE assured that it will continue audits nationwide.

Arrests in ports and factories

At the Port of Lake Charles, Louisiana, eleven undocumented workers from Mexico, Nicaragua, and Ecuador were arrested. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, an immigration checkpoint at a meat market resulted in the arrest of four Brazilian citizens without valid immigration status.

In New Jersey, a no-knock raid on a customs warehouse in the Port of New York/Newark led to the discovery of 16 individuals in an irregular immigration status. They were immediately detained and taken into administrative custody.

Parallel investigation for money laundering

In Ohio, ICE is working with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division on a case involving an alleged money laundering network. The organization, of Chinese origin, allegedly provided undocumented labor to a local factory.

During the investigation, 14 properties, seven bank accounts, and 15 vehicles were seized, all of which were used to conceal profits from illegal contracting.

Warning to employers and new priorities

Authorities emphasized that deliberately hiring people without immigration authorization constitutes a federal crime. They also noted that employers who exploit vulnerable workers harm not only the formal economy but also national security.

The agency said workplace inspections have intensified in the past two months as part of a strategy to strengthen compliance with more than 400 federal laws related to immigration.