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A Latino worker reported on social media that a client refused to pay the agreed amount for construction work and threatened to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The case occurred in Houston, Texas, and was made public by Isaías Valladares, who shared a video of the confrontation. According to his testimony, the client also did not allow him to leave the property.
“This guy brought us to work at his dealership and he’s been acting like a jerk, not wanting to give us even half of what we’re owed for the work,” Isaías is heard saying in the recording.
Workers report non-payment of $2,800
Esther Ávila, a contractor and Isaías’s wife, explained to N+ Univision that they had agreed on a $2,800 payment with the client. However, she claimed that when they went to the site to collect, the man refused to hand over the money.
“We made an arrangement for 2,800, which he said was fine. He called me to come pick up the payment; once I was here, he wouldn't pay,” Esther explained.
At another point in the video, Isaías states that the client detained him on the property and threatened to call ICE.
“I think I got myself into an even bigger problem now because the guy locked me in so I couldn't leave his property and told me he called ICE,” the worker says.
Client accuses them of damaging his electrical installation
During the confrontation, the client claims that the work was not finished and accuses them of having damaged his electrical installation.
“The work is not finished and you damaged my electrical installation. Let’s go, get out of here,” the man states in the video.
However, according to Isaías's account, the property's electrical installation was not damaged.
His wife, Esther, responds to the client and asks him to call the police.
“Please, call the police. We will wait here patiently.”
Couple receives legal support after the dispute
Esther recounted that the client parked his truck in front of hers to prevent them from leaving the property. According to her story, the situation made her feel afraid.
“When I was locked in there, I feared for my life. I felt fear and terror because I didn't know what could happen since I wasn't on my property, I was on his,” she recounted.
Minutes later, the client left the area and the couple was able to move their truck. However, Esther and Isaías assert that the agreed-upon payment was never made.
“We are still waiting for that $2,800 payment that never reached me,” Isaías reported.
The confrontation occurred on August 30th. According to N+ Univision, the couple is now receiving representation from FIEL Houston and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
[Publicidad]