Justice

Immigration Raids, Coming to a Store Near You

Immigration officials said purpose of their raids on 7-Elevens was to target employers. The evidence suggests otherwise.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents serve an employment audit notice at a 7-Eleven convenience store. Chris Carlson/AP

Ninety-eight 7-Eleven stores. 17 states and Washington, D.C. 21 arrests. On January 10, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted what’s being called the biggest immigration crackdown on a single company since Donald Trump became president. The agency has said that these types of raids are likely to repeat in the future—and are likely to target businesses of all types and sizes.

In an email statement, ICE Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan said the raids will “send a strong message to U.S. businesses that hire and employ an illegal workforce: ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable.”