US Attorney: Illegal immigrants provide “modern-day slave labor”

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - U.S. Attorney Bob Balfe says federal immigration agents and local police in northwest Arkansas have only gone after employers who flout the law and exploit illegal immigrant workers.

Balfe says illegal immigrants are “modern-day slave labor.” His comments come after a recent raid on a chain of Mexican restaurants.

In recent years, Balfe acknowledged it may appear that officials are targeting Hispanics. However, he stressed his office has been involved in other cases involving employers hiring illegal immigrants from Asia and Czechoslovakia.

Balfe said the prosecutions also help illegal immigrants, as they often work without overtime pay, aren’t afforded the right to unionize or fear filing grievances against employers.

Source:
US Attorney: Illegal immigrants provide "modern-day slave labor"
WMC TV 5 Memphis