Immigration sweep hits Maui eateries

22 illegal workers are seized at 3 restaurants

By LILA FUJIMOTO, Staff Writer

LAHAINA — Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 22 illegal immigrants who were working at restaurants in Lahaina and Wailea during sweeps at locations of two restaurant chains Friday.

Eight workers were arrested at Cheeseburger Island Style and Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants in Wailea and Lahaina, while 14 employees of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Lahaina were arrested, according to the agency.

The arrests were part of separate ongoing investigations, the agency reported.

Rob Berger, Bubba Gump director of operations in Hawaii, said employees from the host, kitchen and merchandise sales departments of the Lahaina restaurant were detained.

“A lot of these employees worked here for years and have friends and family,” he said Monday. “It’s a very difficult time in this restaurant, obviously.

“We were closed for a few hours, but we were up and running shortly thereafter. The restaurant experience for the guests will be the same.”

When the agents showed up, “obviously, we assisted them in any way we can,” Berger said. “Our company has strict policies and procedures to ensure maximum compliance with immigration laws.

“During the hiring process, we do take a lot of steps to ensure that we only hire people that are authorized to work in the United States.”

He said employees are required to present two current forms of identification, with the information on them verified by a company bookkeeper.

“We take every step that’s required by law to ensure that each and every one of our employees is authorized to work in the United States,” Berger said. “It’s very frustrating to think that with all that we do, there are still people beating the system.”

Those arrested include Mexican nationals. After agents interviewed the immigrants, 20 illegal workers were being detained, according to ICE. The group of 14 men and six women was transferred to the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu. Two other men were processed and released under supervision, pending future immigration proceedings.

“The lure of employment is one of the most significant factors fueling illegal immigration,” said Wayne Wills, special agent in charge of the ICE office of investigations in Honolulu. “Every job held by an illegal alien is a job taken from a U.S. citizen or legal resident of this area.”

The ICE said family members of those arrested can obtain information about their relatives’ detention status by calling (808) 541-2623 and selecting option 2.

ICE was assisted in the enforcement by the state Department of Public Safety Sheriff’s Department, Maui Police Department, Coast Guard, Hawaii Army National Guard, FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Maui police referred all questions to the ICE office in Honolulu.

• Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.