So, is "Rollback" a derogatory term now?

[GalvestonDuck]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=s ... _arrests_6

300 Illegal Workers Arrested at Wal-Marts
1 hour, 40 minutes ago

By SUZANNE GAMBOA, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Federal officials arrested more than 300 illegal workers at 61 Wal-Mart stores across the country early Thursday morning and searched the office of one of the retail chain's corporate executives, a federal official said.

The workers, members of cleaning crews that the company hired through a contractor, were arrested as they finished their night shifts at stores in 21 states. All were in the country illegally, according to Garrison Courtney, a spokesman with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., based in Bentonville, Ark., is the world's largest retailer.

Company spokeswoman Mona Williams confirmed the government is investigating and that stores were raided Thursday morning.

"They arrested a number of members of the floor cleaning crews. They are (employed by) outside contractors; they're not Wal-Mart associates," Williams said.

She said Wal-Mart would give more information later.

The arrests stem from a November 1998 investigation done in conjunction with the Pennsylvania attorney general's office. That investigation also targeted contractors and subcontractors used by Wal-Mart to clean stores.

Employers are required to check forms known as I-9's, filled out by every new employee, and keep the forms for a specified period of time. An employer can face civil and criminal penalties for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants or failing to comply with the I-9 regulations.

The workers arrested were detained at local immigration offices, Courtney said. If they had no previous criminal record, they were released with notices to appear before immigration judges.

The states where arrests were made are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

[TexasStooge]

Oh, boy!

[Lindaloo]

I am quite surprised that MS or GA is not on that list. I feel bad for the immigrants who are trying to better their lives and have come here to do so because we are America. But there are rules and laws that must be followed to gain entry into the US. Shame on them.

[JCT777]

I feel bad for the immigrants who are trying to better their lives and have come here to do so because we are America. But there are rules and laws that must be followed to gain entry into the US. Shame on them.

I agree completely.

[wx247]

I am surprised Missouri isn't on the list, too.

[streetsoldier]

I was just about to say that, wx247...but here, it's mostly illegal Latinos. As I understand it, the operation netted more Asians...

[Lindaloo]

Same here Bill about the illegal Latinos. But, arrests are isolated. When there is an arrest it usually makes the paper. lol.

[j]

I had to think about this one because there are 2 (or more) culprits here. First, the Agencies that have hired these Illegals w/o having them fill out the proper forms. Secondly, and IMO the main culprit here..WAL MART. They are using the Temp agencies to satisfy immediate needs for the ever changing work flow, void of course from anybenefits such as medical or vacation. Wally Mart knows damn well these people they have cleaning etc.. are illegals, and are hiding behind the blanket of the agencies. If Wal Mart is America's store, as they seem to want to lay claim to, then they need to take the important initiative of demanding proof from the agencies that they draw from, that these floor sweepers are indeed legal.

I say prosecute Wal Mart as well for playing dumb.

[blizzard]

Wally World is in no way "Americas Store" anymore. When Sam was alive and running it, yes it could claim that moniker. He did everything he could to buy American made goods. Since his family members took over, they do whatever they can to make money (not that that is so bad), no matter where they have to buy their goods from. IMHO they are no longer "Americas Store".

[StormCrazyIowan]

Sheesh guys! Make me feel like CRAP!!

(Notice....IOWA is NOT on that list!)

[blizzard]

Nothing against the employees.......We are kind of fond of you around here Crazy Woman......errrr CrazyIowan...sorry
lol

[stormy]

shame on walmart, they had to know. we have to follow laws in other countries and they dont in ours. gosh in mexico they lock u up just for looking wrong. this goes back to we need to keep a closer watch on our boarders. just my opinion

[ColdFront77]

Wally World is in no way "Americas Store" anymore. When Sam was alive and running it, yes it could claim that moniker. He did everything he could to buy American made goods. Since his family members took over, they do whatever they can to make money (not that that is so bad), no matter where they have to buy their goods from. IMHO they are no longer "Americas Store".

I haven't seen the signs they used to have that said, "Americas Store" in the Wal-Mart minutes from my house.

[rainstorm]

dont blame wal mart. the politicians in this country have done squat to stop illegals from getting into the country. they fall over themeslves to give illegals free taxpayer money.

[shaner]

shame on walmart, they had to know. we have to follow laws in other countries and they dont in ours. gosh in mexico they lock u up just for looking wrong. this goes back to we need to keep a closer watch on our boarders. just my opinion

It's not their job to run other peoples businesses legally. Sure they probably should have done some checking and such, but WalMart's not at fault here. The companies who hired the illegals and the INS are really to blame.

I'd like to know why the US has more IRS agents than INS agents. That might be the first place to start.

[ColdFront77]

That's true. There are many companies that have hired illegal individuals.

[stormchazer]

Going to Wal-mart gives me hives!!

[ColdFront77]

Purchasing, then taking ibuprofen (Advil) from Wal-Mart gives me hives.

Wal-Mart is one of the only places me and my parents get our food every week. We have three supermarkets, but Wal-Mart as the most affordable prices, especially for those that "live paycheck to paycheck."

[Guest]

dont blame wal mart. the politicians in this country have done squat to stop illegals from getting into the country. they fall over themeslves to give illegals free taxpayer money.

I agree with Rainstorm completely. And the only way to change that is to VOTE. Get the losers out of office. My two cents.

...Jennifer...

[rainstorm]

i agree jennifer. maybe some people in the govt should be arrested.