Three individuals living in the United States illegally were recently arrested while working at a business in Chester County, Pennsylvania, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency reported on Monday that the arrests occurred during a “worksite enforcement operation” conducted in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at Chavos Tires in Kennett Square on February 21.
ICE stated that the individuals were taken into custody for “administrative immigration violations.” Among those arrested, one individual had a criminal record that included charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and assault. The agency also noted that the operation followed a tip regarding Chavos Tires allegedly employing individuals living in the U.S. illegally and concerns about possible labor exploitation. The investigation into the business is ongoing.
Following the arrests, Chavos Tires addressed the situation on its Facebook page, thanking friends, family, and customers for their support. A post on February 24 acknowledged that it had been a difficult weekend for the business, stating, “We have lost our work team for now.” Despite the incident, the business assured the public that it would continue operating as usual.
Last month, a separate ICE enforcement action took place at a car wash in North Philadelphia’s Juniata Park neighborhood. During that operation, seven individuals were detained. ICE Philadelphia reported that the action was based on similar allegations of labor exploitation. The owner of the car wash told CBS News Philadelphia that the detained workers had been employed there for at least 15 years and claimed that ICE agents did not present a warrant before making the arrests.
ICE’s workplace enforcement operations have increased nationwide as part of the federal government’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The first piece of legislation signed by President Donald Trump in his second term, the Laken Riley Act, expanded the government’s authority to detain individuals living in the U.S. illegally. Under the new law, individuals with allegations or pending charges against them could be detained without a judge’s legal authority to review their case, according to immigration expert Derek DeCosmo of DeCosmo Law.
CBS News reported that ICE has recently begun releasing some detainees due to overcrowding in its detention facilities following a surge in arrests.
