Rhode Island Courts Troubled by Janitorial Staffing Issues

Recent workplace immigration enforcement raids in the Rhode Island State Court buildings resulted in the detention of 31 contract janitorial staffers (from a staff approximating 55). The companies contracted to provide janitorial services have been told they either need to produce evidence of I-9 compliance (Verification of Work Eligibility) using the DHS' e-Verify databases, or risk losing the contracts.

Further review of payroll tax reports (unemployment tax) revealed significant discrepancies between the number of workers reported on the payroll tax reports and the number of workers who had signed in for work in the court systems, for which the state was billed.

Workplace enforcement continues to be the main thrust of the DHS' domestic immigration enforcement actions. Employers are increasingly facing penalties for non-compliance with I-9 requirements, as well as inaccuracies in payroll tax reporting.