Photo courtesy of ICE

Photo courtesy of ICE

On December 10, 2008 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided an oil refinery in Indiana and arrested 15 contracted janitorial workers.  The refinery was targeted for investigation because it is part of the country’s “critical infrastructure”, which ICE defines as sites or facilities that are “crucial to our nation’s ability to function and are vulnerable to sabotage, attack or exploitation”.  ICE refers to these investigations as “Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) investigations”.  CIP investigations focus on “sites and critical infrastructure facilities – such as airports, seaports, nuclear plants, chemical plants, oil refineries and defense facilities.”

 In their press release ICE states, “While there is no reason to believe that these individuals had ill intent against our country, their illegal status represents a significant vulnerability in our national security. ICE will continue to partner with critical infrastructure facilities and ensure they have a legal workforce.”

This raid is yet another example of the current trend of increased worksite enforcement.  For additional information please see the ICE Press Release and Chicago Tribune article.  To learn more about I-9 Compliance, Worksite Enforcement and how to protect your company or employer, visit the GoffWilson website or bLAWg.