On Thursday, federal authorities revealed that 46 undocumented workers were taken into custody during a raid by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at a cargo warehouse in Avenel, N.J., that occurred on Wednesday.
As part of an ongoing effort to enforce immigration laws, law enforcement conducted inspections at federally licensed cargo stations.
During the operation, officials discovered that 46 of the workers, which is about 22% of the total workforce on-site, were in the country illegally.
All individuals now in federal custody are awaiting immigration proceedings, according to the DHS.
Surveillance camera footage from the scene depicted the dramatic moments as agents gathered groups of workers, directing them into waiting vans while surrounded by a strong law enforcement presence.
The DHS stated that these inspections are crucial in “protecting the integrity of the supply chain and ensuring that warehouse operators meet all necessary security standards.”
A DHS spokesperson emphasized the agency’s dedication to maintaining high levels of security and accountability within bonded facilities to safeguard U.S. commerce and the public.
Officials did not disclose the name of the company managing the warehouse or mention any potential penalties for the employer.
This raid follows a similar incident from nearly two months ago at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia, where 475 individuals, primarily South Koreans, were detained amidst suspicions of illegal residency, indicating a broader national effort against workplace immigration issues.
