More than 40 arrested in regional undocumented worker sweep

Personnel from the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more than 40 employees at 11 Northern Nevada McDonald’s restaurants including Fernley Thursday morning in an apparent sweep of undocumented workers an ICE spokesman confirmed.

ICE personnel conducted a sweep regarding worksite enforcement of 11 locally owned McDonald’s franchises, as well as the local franchise headquarters, Rocha said.

“People were arrested on administration violations for possibly being in this country illegally,” Rocha said.

The number of arrests was not yet available, but it exceeds 40 and includes workers from Reno and the surrounding area.

The arrests were the result of a five-month investigation prompted by local law enforcement related to an identity theft case, he said.

The Fernley McDonald’s drive-thru remained open early Thursday afternoon, but the restaurant’s seating area remained closed. A restaurant in Sparks off of McCarran Boulevard also was closed Thursday afternoon.