ICE Denver levies over $8 million in fines on local businesses for employment violations

DENVER — U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a notice of intent to fine three local businesses over $8 million following worksite audits that uncovered widespread employment eligibility violations.

The companies fined include:

• CCS Denver, Inc. – Fined $6,186,171 after a 100% substantive violation rate and evidence of knowingly hiring and employing at least 87 unauthorized workers.
• PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems, Inc. – Fined $1,599,510 for a 74% violation rate and a pattern of knowingly employing at least 12 unauthorized workers.
• Green Management Denver – Fined $270,195 after a 100% violation rate and identification of 44 unauthorized employees.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations’ worksite enforcement efforts focus on ensuring businesses comply with federal employment laws, primarily through I-9 audits, civil penalties, and criminal prosecution where applicable.

“The employment of unauthorized workers undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts law-abiding employers at a disadvantage,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Cagen. “These penalties reinforce our commitment to uphold the law and promote a culture of compliance.”

HSI uses a three-prong approach to worksite enforcement:

1. Compliance – through I-9 inspections, civil fines, and debarment referrals.
2. Enforcement – through the criminal arrest of employers and administrative arrest of unauthorized workers.
3. Outreach – through the HSI Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program to foster accountability and legal hiring practices.