Federal agents arrest 22 suspected illegal workers on Maui (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)

Federal agents arrest 22 suspected illegal workers on Maui
Workers were arrested in two chain restaurants

Star-Bulletin Staff
citydesk@starbulletin.com

Posted on: Saturday, May 3, 2008 9:01 PM HST

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 22 suspected illegal immigrant workers Friday at two popular chain restaurants on Maui, according to a news release.

Eight foreign nationals were arrested at the Cheeseburger Island Style restaurant in Wailea and the Cheeseburger In Paradise restaurant in Lahaina, and 14 were taken into custody at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant in Lahaina, the news release said.

The workers were arrested on suspicion of administrative immigration violations.
Officials questioned the individuals and released two men under supervision on humanitarian grounds.

Twenty workers — six women and 14 men — were flown to the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu.

Family members of those arrested can call 541-2623, option 2, for information.

The state Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division, Maui Police Department, Coast Guard, Hawaii Army National Guard, FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office assisted in the case.