HBF Becomes First Airport Concessionaire to Earn IMAGE Certification to Reduce Unlawful Employment and Promote Public Safety

Hojeij Branded Foods (HBF) is the first airport concessionaire in the country to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s IMAGE certification process. IMAGE is designed to reduce unauthorized employment and minimize the use of fraudulent identity documents to abate potential homeland security and public safety risks. HBF’s participation and feedback will help the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shape future worksite enforcement policy. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) created the ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers program (IMAGE) in 2006 to minimize unlawful employment and help employers develop a more secure, stable workforce. The program enhances education and training pertaining to hiring procedures, fraudulent document detection, use of E-Verify employment eligibility and avoiding discrimination. Atlanta-based HBF operates more than 75 restaurants and bars with 40+ widely known national, regional and local brands in the U.S.