News

Chipotle hiring practices under microscope

February 7, 2011

Executives at Chipotle Mexican Grill are facing more inquiries by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in regard to the chain's hiring practices. Executives at the fresh Mex chain have reported that restaurants in Virginia and Washington, D.C., will be audited by federal immigration officials and have received "notices of inspections" from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. It is estimated that 60 restaurants will be inspected.

From the Associated Press:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Gillian Brigham said the agency is pushing a broader strategy of "attacking" companies that hire illegal workers and focusing on corporate hiring practices.

"We want employers to understand that the integrity of their employment records is just as important as their tax records," she said. The goal, she said, is for immigration authorities to inspire the same level of compliance -– and fear -– that the Internal Revenue Service creates.

Advocates for immigrant rights said such efforts will just lead to more of the same -- lost jobs for impoverished workers.

A probe at all Chipotle locations in Minnesota last year forced the company to fire hundreds of undocumented workers. The firings led to protests which resulted in the arrest of eight people after they chained themselves together inside one of the restaurants.

Chipotle spokesman Chris Arnold told the AP more firings are likely.