Channel 7 is reporting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are conducting another large-scale workplace operation in the Bay Area. In late January, ICE agents served 77 businesses in San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Jose, with notice that the federal government would be auditing their records in search of immigration violations. The businesses are required to produce their records within three business days. The stated purpose of the ICE audit allegedly is to weed out illegal employees that give businesses an unfair advantage, enhance national security, and protect jobs for U.S. citizens. This raid follows the recent nationwide immigration audit of 7-Eleven stores, which included six stores in the Bay Area, and resulted in 21 arrests. More recently, San Jose residents conducted a rally against the 232 ICE arrests during the end of February and the first few days in March throughout northern California. San Jose is one of the most heavily populated Latino areas, and the Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network received hundreds of reports of ICE agents in the area, which turned San Jose into a virtual ghost town for a number of hours. Immigration advocates also are warning residents to exercise their rights if approached by ICE agents, including the right to remain silent, ask for a lawyer, and ask for proof of a warrant ICE agents are attempting to enter their homes. ICE has been clear about its intentions to drastically increase the number of workplace raids to detain undocumented immigrants and other immigrants who are subject to deportation. We are the California deportation defense lawyers to whom you can turn if you or a loved one are facing deportation proceedings, no matter whether you are facing criminal charges, you have a criminal conviction, or you simply have no legal status. Regardless of the complexity or difficulty of the situation, Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C. has the experience, knowledge, and skills to advocate on behalf of you and your family throughout the course of any deportation proceedings. Contact our office today and let us answer all of your questions about any aspect of deportation proceedings.
