Press Release from Governor Blunt:
Blunt Ousts Contractor Who Hired Illegal Workers
Announces Joint Enforcement Action with State Agencies
JEFFERSON CITY–Following a state
employee’s tip that tonight led to the detainment of dozens of
suspected illegal immigrants, Gov. Matt Blunt today ousted a state
contractor who hired illegal workers and ordered state agencies to
enact a no tolerance policy through tough new contract protections.
“I will not tolerate illegal activity, immigration
or otherwise, among our state contractors,” Blunt said. “I commend our
Housekeeping Manager Vernon Morris, whose keen attention ultimately led
to the detainment of suspected illegal workers. His efforts, coupled
with new expertise now available through the Missouri Information
Analysis Center (MIAC) played a significant role in helping to uncover
the suspected illegal workers. Enacting tough new contract language
will send a clear signal to all contractors: if you knowingly hire
illegal workers, the state of Missouri will not do business with you.”
Blunt cancelled the state’s contract with Sam’s
Janitorial Services and barred them from doing further business with
the state after local and federal law enforcement agencies identified
dozens of suspected illegal immigrants working under falsified
documents. Vernon Morris, a state employee who serves as the
Housekeeping Manager, first noticed inconsistencies in the contract
staff’s documents and tipped off the Capitol Police. The Blunt
Administration immediately reached out to the U.S. Immigration, Customs
and Enforcement (ICE) Office as state law enforcement worked with MIAC
to identify illegal workers.
The governor immediately took action and by
executive order tonight directed state agencies to audit all
contractors to ensure that the contract employees are legally eligible
to work in the U.S. and to terminate contracts if it is determined a
contractor employs illegal immigrants. He further directed that tough
new provisions be included in all future state contracts to allow the
state to immediately cancel contracts if it determines the contractor
knowingly has employees not eligible to work in the U.S.
[emphasis added]. The new provisions will further require all
contractors to certify that all their employees meet state and federal
employment eligibility requirements. The new contract language will
ensure that Missouri may always cancel contracts when illegal
employment practices are uncovered.
After an almost two month investigation, a joint
enforcement operation was initiated this evening. ICE and local law
enforcement detained suspected illegal workers from Sam’s Janitorial
Services’ when they came into work this evening. After questioning,
illegal immigrants will be transported and detained in Kansas City
before they are returned to their home country.
Sam’s Janitorial Services is operated out of
Oklahoma. The contractor provided services in nine state office
buildings in Jefferson City. Their first contract with the state was
awarded in 2001.
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My thoughts: The Utah Legislature failed to act on a bill
(which would have placed similar requirements on state contracts).
Further, it is doubtful Utah’s Governor Huntsman would actually care
that state tax money is going to illegal immigrants and their employers.
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