Spanish version (Versión en español): La Agencia De Inmigración Y Aduanas Planea Una Auditoría A Mayorista De Flores En Canby
UPDATE (March 9, 2:26 p.m. PST) — The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency has told a flower wholesaler in Canby that it'll soon be subject to an employee verification audit.
Immigration officials have told Kendal Floral that they'll arrive at the work site to review paperwork next week.
News of the audit has worried workers, some have quit.
But experts say the audit is different than an unannounced ICE raid.
The agency wants to see I-9 forms which are used to verify the identity and employment authorization of employees. Employees are required to present documents proving their identity and the employer has to make sure documents "appear" genuine.
Employers also have to keep a copy on file for ICE officials.
Nonprofits working with the immigrant community say they are helping workers. A spokeswoman from CAUSA says ICE could obtain home addresses from the audit, but it's unclear if any raids would follow.
The Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program says staff members have communicated with community organizations in response to the audit.
A spokeswoman says the Child Welfare Program would be notified if a juvenile needed foster care because their parent was detained. In such a case, the agency would assess the child’s safety and find an appropriate placement. It would also work with the parents to ultimately re-unify the family.
Kendal Floral has offices in Oregon and California employing hundreds of people.
Similar audits are expected at other businesses in the Northwest.