Federal immigration agents launched “an enforcement action” Thursday at Salt Lake City International Airport after fielding several complaints of alleged labor trafficking and worker exploitation at a smaller company likely subcontracting there.
It was not immediately clear if there were arrests, but a spokeswoman for the airport said the operation was “not a raid.” The action supposedly focused on the business owner — who has not been named and whose field of work not specified — rather than employees.
In an emailed statement, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement confirmed the agency was participating in the investigation, along with Homeland Security. It declined to provide more information.
“Since this is an ongoing operation, no further details can be released at this time,” wrote ICE spokesman Carl Rusnok. “Depending on the results of this action, more information may be released at a later date.”
The statement also noted that Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes’ office was involved. Over the past several months, Reyes said, his team has received complaints about the company working at the airport from government officials, citizens and the business community.
The office discovered a federal case had already been opened against the employer and joined the investigation. The alleged wrongdoing, Reyes said, could potentially include charges of endangerment of workers, exploitation, illegal business practices, trafficking, unfair competition, coercion and unsafe conditions.
His agents did not arrest any individuals, but interviewed an undisclosed number of witnesses and victims. He was unsure if ICE or Homeland Security detained anyone. Reyes also declined to disclose the legal status of the workers, but said “statistically, there’s the possibility that some that we interviewed are undocumented.”
“We know that the undocumented portion of the Hispanic community is hyper-vulnerable and victimized often by perpetrators, whether that’s white-collar fraud or violent crimes,” he said, noting that his office had a victim advocate who spoke Spanish at the airport Thursday. “We’re here to protect everyone regardless of legal status.”
The enforcement comes at a time of increased fear among the immigrant community with the Trump administration cracking down on illegal immigration and threatening deportation. It’s possible this operation, Reyes said, creates new shocks and concerns in Utah.
His hands are tied, though, on what information he can release while the action is under investigation. “The case is sealed,” Reyes said.
While all involved agencies declined to release the name of the business, its owner or field, a Utah carpentry union was passing out flyers in downtown Salt Lake City on Thursday morning that accused a construction company working at the airport of immigrant labor abuse.
Rigo Ramirez, a representative for Carpenters Local 1507, said he doesn’t know if that’s the same business targeted by the investigation. But the group listed on the flyer is working on building a parking garage and terminal for the in-the-works airport expansion.
“Our sole focus here at the union is to protect worker rights,” Ramirez said.
The Salt Lake Tribune typically does not name people or entities until they are charged with a crime.
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