Federal operation in Upstate New York results in 57 undocumented arrests

Mass Arrest of Illegal Workers in Upstate New York

A recent federal operation in upstate New York resulted in the arrest of 57 undocumented workers. Out of these, five individuals are facing criminal charges for re-entering the United States after having been previously deported.

The charged individuals include Alex Ben Chipin, 39, from Guatemala; Lopez, 50, also from Guatemala; Luis John Morales, 27, another Guatemalan; Gregorio Valdemar Ramirez Perez, 45, from Guatemala; and Francisco Salvald Mora, 22, from Mexico, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Upstate New York.

The other 52 undocumented immigrants are now under administrative detention, with pending immigration cases, as stated by officials.

John Salcone, a third-generation attorney, remarked that the September 4th operation in Cayuga County marked one of the most significant workplace enforcement actions in recent memory.

Salcone emphasized that employers in Upstate New York need to be aware that hiring non-citizens not authorized to work can lead to criminal investigations.

In his statement, he noted, “In upstate and central New York, hardworking Americans seek jobs, particularly in Cayuga County, where unemployment rates are relatively high. Our enforcement measures help ensure these jobs are filled by individuals legally allowed to work in the U.S., rather than by those who have previously been deported.”

Erin Keegan, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo, reiterated the agency’s commitment to identifying potentially dangerous or exploitative business practices.

Keegan stated, “This is still an ongoing investigation, but HSI is dedicated to upholding U.S. laws, protecting workers’ rights, tackling workplace exploitation, ensuring compliance with immigration and labor laws, and maintaining the integrity of our workforce.”

The charges against the five defendants accused of re-entering the U.S. can carry penalties of up to two years in prison, fines reaching $250,000, along with a period of supervised release for up to one year.