NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 20 individuals last Monday during a joint worksite inspection at a warehouse facility in Edison, according to a statement from ICE.
The enforcement action took place at Alba Wines and Spirits Warehousing and Distribution, where more than 100 individuals were encountered during a customs compliance inspection led by ICE Newark and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Authorities said 20 of those encountered were determined to be in the U.S. illegally. The individuals were identified as natives from various South American countries. Of the 20, five had already received final orders of removal from an immigration judge.
The inspection was part of CBP’s authority to conduct unannounced inspections at customs freight stations and bonded warehouses. The agency checks compliance with cargo importation protocols. ICE Homeland Security Investigations also carries out worksite enforcement nationwide to ensure businesses are following immigration and employment regulations.
“Any alien determined to be in violation of U.S. immigration laws may be subject to arrest, detention, and, if removal by final order, removal from the United States,” ICE stated in the release.
Federal immigration officers carried out the operation without advance notice to the business.