How can payroll be dangerous? US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now pursuing criminal charges against companies. For instance a felony charge of harboring illegal aliens that can result in a 10-year prison sentence.

An example is IFCO Systems of North America, Inc. (IFCO) which according to an informant:

Hired workers without social security cards or used other peoples

Payroll employees were directed to use eight allowances on W-4's because some Hispanic workers were not going to file tax returns

The company arranged to transport illegal workers from Texas to NY

The company provided housing for illegal aliens and charged them rent

The company transported the illegal workers back and forth to work.

ICE also found the IFCO had in excess of 50% of the SSN's on the payroll were false or did not match to the person claiming it. Repeated notices to the company correct only a small fraction of the problems.

The result of the investigation was that seven managers were arrested and charged with felonies. Also 1187 illegal aliens employed by the company around the country were arrested as well. At least six of the managers have pleaded guilty to counts that start at six months in jail plus fines.

Another business Rosenburg-Cunningham International, Inc., which does cleaning, and maintenance services for restaurant chains and hospitality sites around the country has spawned similar charges. Here the managers have entered guilty pleas to: harboring illegal aliens, false statements on tax returns, aiding and abetting unlawful employment of aliens and trafficking in means of identification.

There is nothing to keep ICE from charging payroll employees who knowingly participate in a similar scheme with misdemeanor or even felony charges. If you work for a company that knowingly employs illegal aliens and you are related in any way to the hiring or paying of those illegal aliens you are in jeopardy. How does five years in a federal penitentiary sound?