A construction worksite raid in Gulf Shores yielded 36 arrests, with several suspects fleeing the scene, causing a chaotic situation for federal authorities. Now, questions are surrounding the company contracted to build the new Gulf Shores High School.
Rabren General Contractors is also working on the new Alabama State House for Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA).
Federal authorities said that contractors must verify the status of employees. They use programs such as E-Verify to do so. Contractors working on publicly funded projects in Alabama must also verify the status of workers for all subcontractors, as required by the 2011 Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act.
RSA legislative counsel and assistant legal counsel Neah Mitchell Scott told 1819 News that as part of RSA's contract with Rabren, the company has to agree to ensure all workers on the project, including subcontractors, go through the E-Verify process.
"RSA takes compliance with federal and state laws very seriously," Scott stated. "RSA contractually requires all of its contractors to comply with state and federal immigration laws. Specifically, contractors must certify that they will not knowingly employ, hire, or continue to employ unauthorized workers."
Scott said companies contracted in Alabama must submit an affidavit affirming compliance with federal immigration laws and provide documentation confirming that they are actively using the E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of new hires.
While authorities refused to answer specific questions surrounding the employer of those detained in Gulf Shores, FBI Mobile's Parker Still said long-term investigations potentially include employers and those harboring illegal aliens.
Rabren General Contractors has not responded to 1819 News regarding the matter.
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