Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Gov. Blunt’s Administration Assists ICE with Immigration Sting
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt today praised the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assistance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action at George’s processing plant in Butterfield that led to the detainment of more than 100 suspected illegal immigrants.
“I am very pleased that my administration was again able to assist in a law enforcement operation to enforce our laws against illegal immigration,” Blunt said. “I commend our state’s highway patrol troopers who worked together with federal authorities to assist in this sting operation. Their contribution helped enforce the nation’s immigration laws and put an end to Social Security and identity fraud related to this case.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted ICE this morning with executing search and arrest warrants. The enforcement was part of an ongoing ICE investigation into identity theft, Social Security fraud and a variety of immigration-related violations.
This is the second time this year Gov. Blunt’s administration worked with ICE to stop illegal workers. In March, Blunt cancelled the state’s contract with Sam’s Janitorial Services and barred them from doing further business with the state after local and federal law enforcement agencies identified illegal immigrants working under falsified documents.
Following the action, Gov. Blunt immediately signed a directive ending state contracts with the business involved and barring them from working for the state. By executive order, he further directed state agencies to enact a no tolerance policy through tough new contract protections.