What's Happening?
A Michigan couple, Moises Orduna-Rios and Raquel Orduna-Rios, have been charged with employing more than 240 undocumented workers in their plumbing business, Orduna Plumbing Inc. The charges include conspiracy,
transporting and harboring unauthorized aliens for commercial gain, employing unauthorized workers, and money laundering. The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that the couple's business operations spanned Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Ohio, and generated approximately $74 million in revenue from January 2022 to August 2025. The couple reportedly collected workers' passports and housed them in overcrowded conditions. U.S. Border Patrol and ICE have arrested 23 unauthorized workers linked to the company. The couple made their initial court appearance and were released on conditions, with a court date set for December 2, 2025.
Why It's Important?
This case highlights the ongoing focus of the Trump administration on cracking down on employers who hire undocumented workers. The administration has emphasized increasing workplace enforcement and deporting migrants without legal status. The charges against the Orduna-Rios couple underscore the potential legal and financial risks businesses face when employing unauthorized workers. The case also reflects broader immigration enforcement trends and the administration's commitment to addressing illegal employment practices. The outcome of this case could influence future enforcement actions and serve as a warning to other businesses engaging in similar practices.
What's Next?
The couple is scheduled to appear in court in the Western District of New York on December 2, 2025. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison, with fines potentially calculated at $3,000 for each unauthorized worker. The case will likely continue to draw attention as it progresses through the legal system, with potential implications for immigration policy and enforcement practices. Businesses across the U.S. may need to reassess their employment practices to ensure compliance with federal laws.
