The Federal Immigration Agent carried out audits and inspections in many 7-11 stores across the country. The Trump administration is targeting workplaces to identify employers hiring illegal immigrants.
Inspection notices were served to convenience stores in seventeen states. According to administration officials, workplace raids, fines and criminal charges against those who employ illegal immigrants will reduce the practice.
The Acting ICE Director, Thomas D. Homan, said that these raids will send a warning to the U.S. businesses which have an illegal workforce. According to Lori K. Haley, the spokeswoman of ICE no arrests were made during the inspections in South California.
The 7-eleven store on Beverly Boulevard was one of the first stores to receive serving notices. According to employees, their shift started only at noon. They were not able to provide more details of the enforcement action.
However, the local activists informed the immigrants of the raid using the messaging app NextDoor. David Chiu, the state assemblyman, is not happy with the events. He said that the raids were expected after Trump declared war on immigrant people.
Though such raids are a regular scene earlier, the Obama administration did not give emphasis on such actions. There are expectations that the employers will change hiring practices once the agency executes the workplace enforcement.