Fine the employer the maximum fines for illegal labor. 16k per illegal per day. 500k for the business if a pattern of hiring illegals is shown, and he just admitted it. 1 year in prison for the hiring manager.
If your business depends on illegal labor, you can shut down.
— The Barking Mouse (@SourisAboyante) February 4, 2026
Factcheck:
The boss openly admits he hired undocumented workers at that car wash in California. That’s illegal under federal law, but people seem shocked when ICE arrests them anyway. Being employed doesn’t give legal status. The law doesn’t care if the boss says “that’s my worker, bro.” ICE can legally detain anyone unlawfully present, and employers can face fines for knowingly hiring them.
8 U.S.C. § 1324 is a section of U.S. federal law that deals with immigration-related offenses, specifically bringing in, transporting, or harboring unauthorized aliens. It is enforced by ICE, CBP, and the Department of Justice.
What it covers
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Bringing in or transporting illegal aliens
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It is illegal to knowingly bring or attempt to bring someone into the U.S. without authorization.
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Applies by any means: vehicle, ship, aircraft, or on foot.
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Doing it for profit increases penalties.
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Harboring or shielding illegal aliens
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Providing shelter, housing, or employment to someone known to be in the U.S. illegally can violate this law.
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Even giving transportation or assistance counts.
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Encouraging or inducing illegal entry
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Actively encouraging someone to enter or remain in the U.S. illegally is prohibited.
Penalties
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Fines and imprisonment
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Penalties are more severe if there are repeat offenses, multiple people involved, or the act is done for financial gain.
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Someone hiring illegal workers knowingly, for example, can be prosecuted under this statute.
Key notes
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It is a federal crime, separate from civil deportation proceedings.
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Applies to anyone helping, smuggling, or employing unauthorized immigrants.
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Enforcement is handled by federal agencies and courts.
In short, 8 U.S.C. § 1324 makes it illegal to smuggle, harbor, or assist unauthorized immigrants, with significant fines and prison time for violators.