Agents raid 7-Eleven stores across America in immigration crackdown

US immigration agents raided nearly 100 7-Eleven convenience stores around the country on Wednesday, sending a warning to businesses not to hire illegal immigrants, officials said.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested 21 undocumented immigrants in the raids of 7-Eleven franchises in 17 states and the capital, they said, amid a broad crackdown by the year-old administration of President Donald Trump.

“Today’s actions send a strong message to US businesses that hire and employ an illegal workforce: ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable,” said ICE Deputy Director Thomas Homan.

“Businesses that hire illegal workers are a pull factor for illegal immigration and we are working hard to remove this magnet,” he said in a statement.

“ICE will continue its efforts to protect jobs for American workers by eliminating unfair competitive advantages for companies that exploit illegal immigration.”

Ninety-eight stores were targeted in Wednesday’s raids.