In a concerted effort to enforce immigration laws and protect vulnerable populations, a multi-agency operation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has culminated in significant arrests and the rescue of minors from exploitation in the construction industry. The operation took place at sites in El Paso, Texas, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, from January 11 to January 19.
Acting Field Office Director Joel Garcia highlighted the dual focus of the operation: safeguarding minors from exploitation and enforcing immigration laws to ensure national security and public safety. The minors, aged between 15 and 17, were reportedly working long hours under potentially hazardous conditions. They were transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for proper care following their rescue.
The sweep involved collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Such extensive coordination underscores the complexities of modern immigration enforcement and the necessity for interagency cooperation.
Among the 38 individuals arrested, four were charged with felony illegal reentry, and two were ICE fugitives with final orders of removal. Eight had prior criminal convictions, ranging from assault causing bodily injury to driving while intoxicated. One individual, who had an active warrant for deceptive business practices, was transferred to local law enforcement with an immigration detainer lodged.
Federal labor enforcement statistics reveal a troubling increase in illegal child labor violations in hazardous industries, including construction. This trend has prompted a more coordinated approach to protecting young workers from unsafe and unlawful employment practices.
Officials have emphasized that operations based on solid intelligence are crucial in preventing exploitation while ensuring adherence to labor and immigration laws. Additionally, ICE encourages individuals in the United States to use the CBP Home App for voluntary notification of planned departure to avoid enforcement encounters, which includes assistance such as a return flight.
This operation is a component of a broader nationwide campaign by immigration authorities to arrest illegal aliens working across various sectors, highlighting the ongoing dedication to law enforcement and public safety.
Local officials in El Paso commended the enforcement action for its role in removing individuals with criminal histories from the community and rescuing minors from unlawful labor. Furthermore, federal authorities underlined the importance of public vigilance and continued interagency cooperation to identify and report suspected illegal employment and exploitation.
ICE, in coordination with HHS and other partners, is committed to ensuring the long-term care of rescued minors while pursuing removal proceedings against those apprehended. The success of this operation serves as a model for future worksite enforcement initiatives, demonstrating how intelligence-driven, collaborative enforcement can simultaneously uphold immigration laws and protect vulnerable populations.
