Three months after federal authorities executed search warrants in multiple State College area restaurants, officials say the investigation is ongoing.
The Homeland Security Investigations unit with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency conducted an enforcement operation in State College June 12, which targeted a number of restaurants. Throughout the operation that lasted several hours, authorities led several males and females in handcuffs into the State College Police Department.
Authorities released few details about the operation and those detained. However, State College Police Chief Tom King told borough council Monday night that federal authorities cleared him to share a few more details about the operation.
Specifically, King says federal agents detained 21 illegal alien workers of which 11 were later released and 10 were held and charged with immigration offenses.
Of those 10 who were charged, six individuals were deported, one person was released, and three individuals are still in custody awaiting removal proceedings. King says the 10 individuals charged either had an order for removal or deportation or a criminal history and therefore met federal government detention standards.
“The investigation continues. It is not complete,” says King.
The U.S. Attorneys Office is also part of the investigation. The office declined to comment Tuesday as the investigation is ongoing. ICE also continues to decline to comment on the ongoing investigation.
Restaurants were officials’ target, including the China Dragon in the 100 block of South Allen Street; Hundred Degrees Hot Pot, My Thai and Fuji & Jade Garden in the Westerly Parkway Plaza; Penang on North Atherton Street and the College Buffet at the North Atherton Place shopping center.
All restaurants reopened within 24 hours.
Staff and owners at several of the establishments told StateCollege.com they were baffled by the raids.
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