INS ARRESTS TWO IN UNAUTHORIZED WORKER EMPLOYMENT SCHEME An 18-month long investigation by the INS has resulted in the arrests of two people for knowingly employing undocumented workers. Authorities had long suspected labor contractor Luis Bautista of using undocumented workers, but it was not until he made an unwitting statement to a newspaper reporter that they had grounds to open an investigation.
In October 1998 Bautista made the following statements to a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle: "I've been a contractor here for 30 years, and the (INS) hasn't bothered me once. They go about their business and I go about mine, and my workers work hard in the fields every day…I ask the workers for their mica (a work permit or resident document). Whether it's forged or not isn't my problem…And who cares? Without these Mexicans, who would pick the crops that people buy in the supermarket?"
The article prompted immigration officials to investigate. Bautista’s Border Patrol file showed that between 1989 and 1992, the INS had arrested 68 people working for him without authorization. Then an employee told an undercover agent that most of the workers he dealt with lacked proper documents. Agents then recruited three employees to act as informants. According to an affidavit filed in court, they revealed that Bautista had two payment systems, one for legal workers and the other for workers without documents. Unauthorized workers were paid in cash, and Bautista withheld taxes from them, keeping it for himself.
Bautista’s brother in law was also arrested. Bautista was released on $50,000 bail, while his brother in law was released on his own recognizance. < Back | Next > Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. | 
