Federal authorities arrested three individuals working at Chavos Tires in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, for alleged immigration violations, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Federal Raid on Chester County Business
The arrests took place on February 21, when ICE agents—along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)—carried out a “worksite enforcement operation.” ICE stated that the individuals were detained for administrative immigration violations, with one worker having a criminal history involving DUI and assault.
Authorities say the operation was triggered by a tip that Chavos Tires had been hiring undocumented workers and potentially engaging in labor exploitation. The business remains under investigation.
Business Responds After Losing Staff
In a Facebook post on February 24, Chavos Tires expressed gratitude for community support, describing the weekend as “very difficult” after losing its team. The business assured customers that it would remain open despite the arrests.
Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Immigration Intensifies
This raid follows a similar ICE operation last month at a car wash in North Philadelphia’s Juniata Park, where seven workers were detained. The business owner claimed ICE did not present a warrant before making arrests.
The crackdown aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed push on immigration enforcement. The Laken Riley Act, the first bill signed in Trump’s second term, expands the federal government’s authority to detain undocumented immigrants. Legal experts warn that judges may no longer have the power to intervene in many of these cases.
Meanwhile, ICE has reportedly begun releasing detainees due to overcrowding in detention centers, as arrests continue to surge nationwide.
