Aquilini Vineyards Seeks to Distance Itself from Indicted Labor Contractor in U.S. Immigration Case
Aquilini Vineyards, the Washington state grape-growing operation owned by the family that also owns the Vancouver Canucks, is actively distancing itself from an immigration case brought against one of its contractors by the U.S. government. The case centers on Harvest Plus, a local firm accused of forging information on visa applications for Mexican laborers.
U.S. Federal Indictment Details Alleged Visa Fraud Scheme
In an indictment dated February 11, the U.S. Attorney's office for the Eastern District of Washington has charged Harvest Plus with multiple criminal counts related to visa fraud. The indictment alleges that the company forged details on H-2A visa applications for approximately 500 Mexican laborers brought to the United States in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Foreign farm workers are eligible to enter the United States with H-2A visas, which must list approved farms where they will work. According to the U.S. Attorney, Harvest Plus listed 10 approved farms on the workers' applications, but those farms did not actually require the laborers. Instead, Harvest Plus allegedly sent the workers to other businesses and locations across Oregon and Washington.
Aquilini Vineyards Identified as Key Location in Indictment
Although the indictment states that workers were used at several locations, the only location explicitly named is Aquilini Vineyards in Benton City, Washington, located just west of Kennewick. The indictment specifies that Harvest Plus workers were present at the Aquilini property in 2022.
When questioned about whether Aquilini Vineyards is under investigation or facing potential indictment, executive assistant U.S. attorney Stephanie Van Marter declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case. She did not respond to follow-up inquiries about why Aquilini Vineyards was the sole unapproved location identified in the indictment.
Aquilini Vineyards Responds to Contractor Relationship
Laurie Peterson, vice-president of Aquilini Vineyards, provided details about their arrangement with Harvest Plus in an email statement. "It is a common practice in the agricultural industry to engage farm labour contractors to provide seasonal workers," she explained.
Peterson emphasized that at the time of contracting, Harvest Plus was regarded by government agencies and the farming community as a legitimate farm labor contractor. The company had provided necessary documentation, including:
- Tax information
- Business license
- Certificate of liability insurance
- Farm labor contractor license from the U.S. Department of Labor
The federal grand jury has approved a combined 51 criminal counts against Harvest Plus operators, who are residents of the Tri-Cities area in southeastern Washington. The case highlights ongoing challenges in agricultural labor practices and immigration enforcement.
