An Arkansas business owner was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison Monday for providing counterfeit immigration documents and Social Security cards to illegal aliens and then employing them at various locations across three states. The sentence follows an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
HSI special agents received information in November 2008 that the businessman was employing illegal aliens and providing them with counterfeit work authorization documents. HSI subsequently arrested 13 foreign nationals associated with the scheme. Investigators also determined from financial records that the businessman made at least $6.4 million from May to December 2008 as a result of selling illegal alien labor to various companies. HSI seized his bank accounts and recovered approximately $117,000 in forfeited funds traced to harboring and shielding illegal aliens.
This case shows that individuals who violate immigration laws face significant penalties along with the forfeiture of proceeds gained as a result of their criminal activity. This sentence serves as a stark reminder that employing illegal aliens or assisting others in doing so is a serious crime that carries serious penalties. Federal, state and local law enforcement partners work vigilantly each day and will continue to identify these criminals and ensure they face justice.
