A Missouri community rallied in support of its custodians, who were recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Alba Matamoro-Hernandez and her husband, Boanerges Flores-Bravo, were attending an asylum appointment when ICE agents detained Flores-Bravo. Matamoro-Hernandez was placed on an ankle monitor while the couple’s eight-year-old daughter continues to attend school. Both had come to the U.S. from Nicaragua, surrendering themselves at the border and applying for asylum as they awaited their case in court.

Both received proper work permits and worked as janitorial staff members for the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District. In a statement given by the Director of Student Services, the district maintains that eligible hiring practices were followed to the letter of both state and federal law. The district has continued to support its staff members by providing resources as the family faces deportation.

On Monday, June 1st, the community came together to protest the detainment and show up for Matamoro-Hernandez and Flores-Bravo. In an article about the rally, a local neighbor shared accolades for the couple, highlighting how both are always proud of the work they do in the schools. While Louisiana Congressman Wesley Bell has voiced his support in keeping the family in the U.S., Matamoro-Hernandez has already decided to self-deport to keep her family together.

ICE raids continue countrywide, impacting an industry staffed with workers of varying nationalities and backgrounds. Facility managers and commercial cleaning executives can safeguard staff and their businesses by ensuring employee eligibility compliance through proper I-9 form filing and record keeping. Recent error reclassifications can be costly for businesses, with many technical errors shifting to substantive errors. Reviewing the I-9 form process, conducting internal audits, training on form compliance, and engaging in immigration legal counsel can assist businesses in maintaining order.