LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Tuesday it has received a target letter from the U.S. Attorney's Office saying the world's largest retailer allegedly violated federal immigration laws.
"The company is the target," Wal-Mart spokeswoman Mona Williams said.
On Oct. 23, federal agents arrested about 250 allegedly illegal workers in a 21-state sweep of Wal-Mart stores.
Federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania are handling the case. Williams said company executives are not the subject of the inquiry.
"Wal-Mart was not surprised by this formal notification since it is in keeping with comments made by federal officials after the raids," Williams said.
She said Wal-Mart received the letter Friday and the grand jury will look at whether the company "violated federal immigration laws in connection with the use of third-party floor cleaning contractors."
The raids focused on floor cleaners employed by companies Wal-Mart hired for the work. Ten of those arrested were Wal-Mart employees hired as the company continued a move to bring its floor cleaning in house.
Wal-Mart expects the grand jury to begin its hearing in mid-December, Williams said. "This notification gives us time to provide the U.S. Attorney's Office information we feel supports our position."
