Federal immigration and border authorities ramped up enforcement efforts this week, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) making headlines for major operations targeting undocumented labor and drug smuggling.
ICE Arrests Over 1,000 Undocumented Workers, Proposes $1M in Fines for Employers
ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has arrested more than 1,000 undocumented workers in nationwide worksite enforcement raids since January 20, 2025 — the agency’s highest arrest rate in history. As part of the crackdown, HSI subpoenaed business records from 1,200 companies and proposed nearly $1 million in employer fines.
The intensified operations, aligned with President Trump’s “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” executive order, target industries exploiting undocumented labor. Notable raids occurred in Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio — the latter tied to a Chinese money laundering and staffing ring.
HSI urges employers to comply with federal employment eligibility laws and encourages participation in the IMAGE program to prevent I-9 violations, which now carry fines of up to $2,861 per infraction.
CBP Seizes $14M in Meth Hidden in Vegetables at Texas Border
Meanwhile, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge in South Texas intercepted a shipment of over $14 million worth of methamphetamine concealed in bell peppers and cucumbers. On April 11, 2025, officers discovered 300 packages weighing 1,635 pounds after a secondary inspection involving canine units and scanning tech.
The bust follows a broader surge in drug seizures, with March CBP reports showing a 72% increase in meth seizures and a 47% overall spike in narcotics intercepted nationwide compared to February. The seized drugs and vehicle were handed over to Homeland Security Investigations.
CBP Port Director Carlos Rodriguez praised his team’s vigilance: “Our officers continue to use all tools and resources to safeguard our borders by preventing these harmful narcotics from reaching America’s streets.”
