Oregon Public Broadcasting

For the second time in as many weeks, the Portland alternative newspaper Willamette Week has published an article critical of the hiring practices at Smith Frozen Foods, the company owned by Republican Senator Gordon Smith.

And for the second time, Senator Smith has denied the charges. Ethan Lindsey reports.

Willamette Week’s new report finds at least five undocumented immigrants who claimed to have been employed by Smith Frozen Foods.

The company is run by Smith’s family, though the senator is no longer involved in day-to-day operations.

Smith  again accused the newspaper of smear campaign based untrue statements.

Sen. Gordon Smith: “Now, there may be some companies that go around and recruit illegal aliens. We do not. And if any show up that shouldn’t be there, they are terminated. Everyone who works in my plant has a social security number. Occasionally, when one comes up as not legitimate they are given time to show good cause why they should not be terminated, and after 24 hours if they haven’t, they are terminated.”

Smith acknowledges the agriculture business has a higher number of illegal immigrants than other industries. But he says his company has set up a system to ensure Smith Frozen Foods is in full compliance with the law.