12 arrested in a South Texas worksite enforcement operation by ICE Rio Grande Valley, federal partners

HARLINGEN, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 12 illegal aliens on June 9 during a targeted worksite enforcement operation at two business locations, one in Harlingen and one in San Benito, Texas. The operation was conducted by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.

During the operation, a female illegal alien allegedly assaulted one special agent.  She is now facing two counts of assault on a federal officer.

The individuals arrested are citizens of Mexico and El Salvador and are currently pending removal proceedings.

Under federal law, employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals they hire and document that information using Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. ICE uses the I-9 inspection program to promote compliance as part of a broader strategy to address and deter illegal employment.

ICE’s worksite enforcement strategy often intersects with other criminal investigations involving alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, document fraud, worker exploitation, and substandard wages or working conditions.

Members of the public with information can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form

Follow HSI San Antonio on X at @HSI_SanAntonio to learn more about its enforcement efforts and investigations.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)