Federal immigration agents apprehended 16 undocumented immigrants who were attempting to escape a workplace raid at a business in Mississippi, according to authorities.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Border Patrol, along with other agencies, conducted a worksite raid at Gulf Coast Prestress Partners in Pass Christian on the Gulf Coast, according to ICE officials.
According to an ICE news release, agents witnessed a significant number of individuals fleeing from the rear of the business property while they were serving paperwork and conducting employee interviews.
Eighteen individuals from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras were apprehended by agents. Among those detained, two individuals had immigration court dates and work authorization and were subsequently released.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement took into custody a 16-year-old Mexican citizen among the 18 individuals.
According to ICE, all employers must comply with federal law and verify the identity and employment eligibility of their workers.
During the Biden administration, there has been a significant decrease in worksite raids. However, under President Donald Trump, there was a notable increase in operations conducted by border and immigration authorities to target illegal immigrants, especially those with criminal backgrounds.
