WATERVILLE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents reportedly checked employees on Wednesday at Super China Buffet to ensure they are legally in the country.
A man who said he has worked for a couple of years at the restaurant on Kennedy Memorial Drive said the 10 or so employees were questioned by federal officials and that no one was taken into custody.
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The man, who did not give his name, said he was born in China and is a United States citizen.
He said about 10 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived at 11 a.m., almost immediately after employees reported to work.
A hand-written closed sign hung on the restaurant door Wednesday afternoon.
Super China Buffet will be open for business today, the man said.
Agents also reportedly searched Kon Asian Bistro in Portland, Twin Super Buffet on State Street in Brewer, and New China Super Buffet in Lewiston, according to several news agencies.
Chuck Jackson, a media representative for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said he could not comment on the investigation and referred calls to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark said he could not comment on whether an investigation was under way.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the main investigative branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In September, Hector Fuentes, 37, owner of Cancun Mexican Restaurant of Waterville, was arrested and charged with harboring and employing illegal immigrants. A federal magistrate judge set bail at $100,000 in property or $10,000 in cash. His arrest came as federal officials executed coordinated raids in Waterville, Brunswick and Westbrook.
Fuentes, who was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the U.S. with his family in the early 1990s, was back at his Silver Street restaurant a few days after his arrest.
In September, Clark said Fuentes’ case was in a post-complaint phase and could either be presented to a federal grand jury for an indictment, or the defendant’s attorney and the prosecution could work together to see if the case can be resolved another way.
Beth Staples — 861-9252
bstaples@centralmaine.com
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