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Local Fence Company Faces Charges for Hiring Undocumented Workers

Two executives of a fence company pleaded guilty in federal court in San Diego Thursday morning to knowingly hiring undocumented workers. The Golden State Fence Company and its officials will pay $5 m

Local Fence Company Faces Charges for Hiring Undocumented Workers

Two executives of a fence company pleaded guilty in federal court in San Diego Thursday morning to knowingly hiring undocumented workers. The Golden State Fence Company and its officials will pay $5 million in fines. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

The case is a rare success story for the federal government in going after employers who hire unauthorized workers.

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When Golden State Fence Company President Melvin Kay entered his plea, he said he knew at least 10 employees he hired were undocumented. He was ordered to pay $200,000 for the violation. A manager in the Oceanside office, Michael McLaughlin, was fined $100,000. And the company will forfeit $4.7 million in assets.  

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided the fencing company’s Riverside offices a year ago. It was the third time since 1999 that it was discovered Golden State was employing undocumented workers.

President Kay’s attorney, Richard Hirsch, says the company is now using a government database to make sure all workers’ Social Security numbers are valid. Sentencing is scheduled for late March. Amy Isackson, KPBS News.