More than two dozen workers suspected of being illegal aliens have been rounded up in Jefferson City in an operation conducted by federal and state law enforcement officials.
Governor Matt Blunt made the announcement in an evening news conference at his Capitol office. He told of how a state employee tipped off authorities when the employee noticed something seemed out of place with many of the workers hired by Sam’s Janitorial Services, a contractor doing business with the state.
Blunt has cancelled the state’s contract with the company and has barred Sam’s from doing further business with the state. The Governor has also signed an executive order directing state agencies to audit all contractors to ensure that the contract employees are legally eligible to work in the United States. The agencies have also been ordered to terminate any contracts with companies that are determined to be hiring illegal aliens.
The arrests follow a two month investigation led by ICE – the U.S. Immigration, Customs and Enforcement Office. Those arrested will be detained in Kansas City before being sent to their home countries. The investigation is ongoing.
Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)
Download/Listen: Governor’s news conference on arrests of illegals (22:00 MP3)
