This week, ICE Assistant Secretary John Morton reiterated DHS’ commitment to I-9 and worksite enforcement during several “pen and pad” sessions with Southern California reporters. According to the Wall Street Journal, Mr. Morton announced that ICE intends to increase the number of companies it will audit and systematically impose fines on violators. From the WSJ article: “You are going to see audits regularly and on a larger scale,” Mr. Morton said during a two-day visit to southern California, his first since being appointed four months ago. “You will see the resuscitation of…civil fines.”

In related news, two Directors from the family-owned Yamato Engine Specialists pleaded guilty today to federal charges of aiding and abetting the use of a false statement on immigration forms. As previously reported, 28 workers were arrested for working unlawfully for the manufacturer. In their pleas, the directors admitted that they knew workers at the company submitted false names and social security numbers on the I-9 forms but took no steps to deter the practice. According to the plea agreement, Yamato Engine Specialists is expected to pay a significant fine in connection with the case.