CHEMUNG - Work at the CVS distribution center in Chemung has come to a halt after being put under a stop work order.This follows the arrest of seven men who were arrested for working at the site and being in the U.S. illegally.
Their employer was from out-of-state.
“It’s unfortunate because there's so many people in New York State that are out of work that could be on that job site, and they're not”, said carpenters union representative Dave Haines.
“Any job of this size, for this area, in this economy is crucial to people's lives”, said electrical workers representative Ernie Hartman.
Seven men were arrested and charged with federal immigration violations.
In addition, José Viveros, was charged with a weapon possession.
All seven are now in federal custody at the US Immigration office in Buffalo.
The Chemung County sheriff's office and the US Department of Homeland Security have been investigating the site since August.
“But I can tell you the information we got earlier this week was very credible. Then we were able to independently verify it. Obviously it panned out, but like i said the initial information came at the end of August”, said Sheriff Christopher Moss.
Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli told the site manager to stop all construction and to take immediate action against the electric company.
“I have informed Steve Summers of Grey Construction I want walker electric off the premises period. Get them out of town”, said Santulli.
Santulli says the stop work order will be lifted Saturday.
He says they plan to replace the seven illegal workers with local electricians.Men arrested:
Carlos Javier Viveros, dob 11/04/71, of Batesville, MS
Jose Cristian Viveros, dob 10/28/86, Sardis, MS
Martin Viveros, dob 10/19/74, of Macon, GA
Rodolfo Viveros Leon, dob 11/07/80, of Pensacola, FL
Sergio Viveros Leon, dob 09/08/81, of Pearl, MS
Marco A. Roa Malpica, dob 06/12/79, of Nashville, TN
Rafael Viveros Leon, dob 10/24/85, of Jeffersonville, GA
