Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyPEORIA, AZ -- Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies arrested five undocumented immigrants for identity theft at a Peoria business Thursday morning and one of the managers says she has some questions for Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Kelli Bungert arrived at Berardi Enterprises, a construction reclamation company near 83rd Avenue and Northern avenues, to find helicopters hovering above.
"This was a shock, we've never been notified or under investigation for any questionable acts," Bungert said.
Sheriff’s deputies arrested one suspect on the property and the remaining four off property, according to officials.
The suspects reportedly used stolen identities and social security numbers; one apparently belonging to an agent of the U.S. Border Patrol.
The search was in connection with an ongoing employer sanctions investigation, according to Douglas Matteson with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
"I specifically asked the lead investigator what was going on and he said this was not an immigration issue," Bungert said.
Now Bungert questions how the operation was handled.
"If you want to come in and surprise us why alert the media if this is not an immigration issue?"
The sheriff says he will continue to alert the media before any raids.
Matteson said deputies believe the company was hiring undocumented immigrants who were committing ID theft, a class four felony.
The company, they say they were in complete compliance with current hiring laws.
Deputies are reportedly still searching for two more undocumented immigrants in relation to the case.
