Four Arrested in Santa Maria as ICE Dismantles 'Modern-Day Slavery' Scheme

Santa Maria, California – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced the arrest of four individuals last Thursday, November 13, in connection with a human trafficking and visa fraud operation. Three Mexican nationals and one U.S. citizen were apprehended as part of a scheme described by authorities as a "form of modern-day slavery." The arrests target an alleged exploitation ring within the H-2A seasonal farm-labor visa program.

The investigation uncovered a system where workers were allegedly coerced into paying illegal fees for visa opportunities, facing threats of deportation or violence if they failed to comply or voiced complaints. "The scheme involved forcing workers to pay illegal fees and threatening deportation or violence if they fell behind on payments or complained to authorities," ICE declared in a statement. This alleged exploitation violates H-2A visa rules and federal peonage laws.

A labor recruiter identified as Jorge Vasquez is accused of spearheading the illicit operation, working with JJB Farms LLC and other entities. Vasquez and his associates in Mexico allegedly recruited workers and demanded substantial fees for H-2A visa opportunities, often deducting payments directly from their farm wages. In a notable instance, Vasquez reportedly demanded $8,000 for a visa from one worker, including a $1,000 upfront deposit, with the remaining balance to be paid from the worker's future earnings.

Further allegations reveal that Vasquez employed intimidation tactics to maintain control over the workers. He reportedly threatened to alert immigration officials if recruits did not adhere to the "pay-to-play" scheme or if their productivity was deemed insufficient. Additionally, Vasquez allegedly threatened workers' families if they complained or spoke to U.S. government inspectors about their treatment, according to the official announcement.

The comprehensive investigation was a collaborative effort involving HSI, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, operating under the authority of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). These arrests underscore ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations from organized crime and exploitative labor practices within agricultural sectors.