20 migrants in custody after ICE operation at Spring business

HOUSTON - In an operation on Tuesday, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took 20 undocumented migrants into custody in Spring.

ICE reports they discovered discrepancies during an I-9 audit for a local business and were investigating.

20 migrants in custody after ICE operation in Spring

What we know:

According to the agency, officials conducted a worksite enforcement operation at Texas Couplings LLC for alleged violations of US employment law. The operation followed the discovery of substantial discrepancies during an I-9 audit.

At the location, they found 20 migrants and took them into custody for administrative immigration violations. They were taken to Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe.

ICE Homeland Security Investigation's worksite enforcement strategies

The backstory:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 requires employers to verify the identity and work eligibility of all individuals they hire, and to document that information using the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. 

Part of ICE Homeland Security Investigation’s (HSI) strategy is using the I-9 inspection program to promote compliance with the law and prevent illegal employment, the agency stated. ICE HSI focuses on looking into employers who knowingly break the law. They use I-9 audits and civil fines to encourage compliance.

‘He’s not a criminal'

The other side:

"For me and my sister, it’s been hard. It’s been confusing. We are shocked that this could happen," said a family member of one of the detainees. The family member asked to remain anonymous. "We understand the laws that are in place, but you don’t really know until it happens to you or a loved one."

The Mexican family, who have lived in the United States for 30 years, expressed concern for their 65-year-old father, who had been working at Texas Couplings for 14 years. 

"My dad is older, and we’re just concerned for his health and where they’re going to take him. If they’re going to deport them or not. The unknown. It’s just scary," the family member added.

When asked about the father's immigration status, the family member confirmed, "He is undocumented. He’s not a criminal besides being undocumented."

What's next:

ICE Houston stated that no further information will be provided at this time, as the investigation into suspected violations of federal law is ongoing.