Dozens of illegals arrested in U.S.

Dozens of illegals arrested in U.S.

USA: Dozens of immigrants from Indonesia, Israel, Pakistan, Mexico, Guatemala and several African countries have been arrested at a semiconductor company for allegedly using improper documents to get jobs in the United States.

Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found the 36 employees of Cree company -- which has about US$153 million in government defense contracts -- and took them into custody after a check of foreign workers' immigration papers.

Eight people worked for Cree and the others were employed by two Cree subcontractors.

Countries of origin of those apprehended included Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico and Pakistan.

Officials said the workers were employed in janitorial and manufacturing jobs in a secure area, The News & Observer newspaper reported.

"Unauthorized workers pose potential homeland security threats," said ICE agent Tom O'Connell, "Not only is their identity in question, they may also be vulnerable to exploitation by terrorists and other criminals."

Those arrested face possible deportation. --AP