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Aerial photo of Can Do It, Inc., 801 Golf Lane, Bensenville, Illinois

Last week the president and office manager of two staffing companies operating from the same business location were charged with hiring undocumented employees. Clinton Roy Perkins, the president, and Christopher Reindl, the manager, operate two staffing companies, Anna II, Inc and Can Do It, Inc., from 801 Golf Lane, Bensenville, Illinois. The indictment alleges that both men hired more than ten employees with actual knowledge that the individuals were undocumented and had been brought into the United States in violation of the law.

Gary Hartwig, special agent in charge of the ICE office of Investigation in Chicago, stated, “ICE is committed to ensuring that employers are held accountable for maintaining a legal workforce. The goal of our enforcement effort is two-fold – reduce the demand for illegal employment, and protect job opportunities for the nation’s lawful workforce.”

If convicted, the indictment seeks forfeiture of both business and personal assets. In addition, hiring undocumented workers carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

This indictment is consistent with the stated policy of the Obama administration: enforce the laws that prohibit U.S. employers from hiring undocumented workers to eliminate the demand of illegal immigration.

Since the focus of the worksite enforcement investigations has shifted to the employer, employers should verify that their I-9 forms are being properly completed and retained.