ICE Makes Arrests in Lowell Over Unauthorized Hiring Practices

• ICE Arrests 11 Undocumented Immigrants in Lowell
• Operation Targets Lowell Roofing Business
• I-9 Work Eligibility Verification Cited

On May 16, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 11 undocumented immigrants during a workplace operation in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Arrests at Roofing Company

The arrests took place at a roofing business suspected of employing individuals without proper work authorization.

The operation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers.

ICE Makes Arrests in Lowell

LOWELL, Mass. — We arrested 11 Ecuadoran illegal aliens during a multiagency worksite enforcement operation May 16. The operation focused on a Massachusetts-based roofing business.
⚠️Employers who hire illegal workers put other employees and our communities at risk… pic.twitter.com/3wdxybpugg
— @ICEgov, May 20, 2025

Ecuadorian Nationals Taken into Custody

All 11 individuals arrested by ICE in Lowell were Ecuadorian nationals. They were detained following interviews and background checks.

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ICE confirmed that none of the individuals had legal residency or work authorization in the United States.

The investigation was conducted by the HSI New England Worksite Enforcement Group, with support from ERO Boston, the DEA, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Enforcing Federal Workplace Law

Under federal law, employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all workers using Form I-9.

ICE uses the I-9 program to ensure businesses comply with these requirements.

Tools to Fight Illegal Employment

I-9 inspections are one of the most effective tools used by the government to deter the hiring of unauthorized workers.

These investigations aim to hold employers accountable and discourage illegal hiring practices.

Broader Investigations and Related Crimes

Workplace enforcement operations often uncover related illegal activities such as:

• Human smuggling
• Human trafficking
• Document fraud
• Labor exploitation
• Unsafe working conditions

Public Asked to Report Violations

ICE encourages the public to report suspected immigration violations or related crimes.
You can call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or submit tips online.