As an HR pro, have you ever wondered how a manager who breaks the rules is supposed to enforce them? With that in mind, here’s the story of a regional director for Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection who now faces charges of hiring illegal immigrants.

Lorraine Henderson, director of the Port of Boston, didn’t enter a plea to a charge of encouraging an illegal immigrant to remain in the country when she appeared in U.S. District Court, according to the Boston Globe.

According to an affidavit, Henderson employed a Brazilian woman to clean her home for $75 to $80 every few weeks for several years. When that housekeeper took time off to have a baby, Henderson allegedly hired two of her Brazilian friends who were also in the U.S. illegally.

After the original housekeeper returned, an agent from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement asked her to wear a wire when she met with Henderson.

In  a recorded conversation, Henderson allegedly counseled the housekeeper to avoid detection by law enforcement, or else she’d be deported.

Henderson has been placed on paid administrative leave.

If convicted, Henderson faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Kelly said, “She’s supposed to be deporting aliens, not hiring them.”

Tags: administrative leave, court, illegal immigrants