Key Takeaways
• Company linked to illegal immigration raid builds Alabama State House, project on schedule to finish by late 2026.
• Project costs $292 million, running $5 million under budget, with 90% contracts awarded mostly to Alabama companies.
• No contract cancellations reported; public concerns raise calls for stricter contractor vetting and immigration compliance checks.
On June 26, 2025, news broke that the company at the center of a recent illegal immigration raid is currently building the new Alabama State House for the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). This development has drawn attention not only because of the ongoing construction of a major public building but also due to the questions it raises about contractor vetting, immigration compliance, and the use of public funds. The project, which is a significant investment for Alabama, continues as planned despite the controversy, with completion expected by late 2026.
Below is a detailed look at the latest updates, the background of the project, the implications for key stakeholders, and what this situation could mean for future public construction projects in Alabama.
Breaking News: Company Linked to Illegal Immigration Raid Builds State House
The illegal immigration raid that brought this company into the spotlight has not stopped work on the new State House. As of June 2025, the company remains under contract, and the project is moving forward on schedule. The new State House, located in Montgomery, Alabama, is a seven-story, 460,000-square-foot building set to replace the aging current facility. Lawmakers are expected to move in by November 2026.
While the name of the company and details about the raid—such as the number of workers affected or the exact nature of the violations—have not been released, the association has sparked public debate. Many are asking how a company involved in such a raid was selected for such a high-profile state project.
Key facts as of June 2025:
- The project is on schedule, with no reported delays due to the raid.
- Construction is under budget by about $5 million.
- About 90% of contracts have been awarded, mostly to Alabama-based companies.
- The total estimated cost is $292 million, not including demolition or parking.
Project Background: A Long-Awaited Upgrade for Alabama Lawmakers
The need for a new State House has been discussed for years. The current building is outdated and lacks the space and modern features needed for today’s legislative work. In late 2023, the Alabama Legislature and the Retirement Systems of Alabama entered into a contract to build a new facility next to the existing State House in Montgomery.
Project highlights:
- Size: Seven stories, 460,000 square feet
- Location: Adjacent to the current State House in Montgomery
- Cost: $292 million (excluding demolition and parking deck)
- Timeline: Construction began in 2023, completion expected by August 2026, with lawmakers moving in by November 2026
The RSA, which manages retirement funds for state employees, is financing the project and will lease the building to the Legislature. RSA expects to earn an 8% return on its investment, making this a public-private partnership that benefits both the state and the retirement system.
Stakeholder Perspectives: RSA, Lawmakers, and the Public
RSA Leadership
At a topping out ceremony in May 2025, David Bronner, head of RSA, spoke about the benefits of the new State House. He emphasized that the building will provide more space, better accessibility, and a modern environment for both lawmakers and the public. Bronner highlighted that the project is under budget and that most contracts have gone to local companies, supporting Alabama’s economy.
Project Oversight
The Legislative Council is responsible for overseeing the State House project. They entered into the agreement with RSA and continue to monitor progress. Steve Timms, assistant director of real estate investments for RSA, confirmed that the project is under budget and that local companies are handling most of the work.
Public and Political Reaction
The revelation that the company building the State House was involved in an illegal immigration raid has raised concerns among the public and lawmakers. Some worry about the vetting process for contractors on state projects, while others are calling for more transparency and stricter compliance checks. However, as of June 2025, there have been no official delays, contract cancellations, or policy changes announced in response to the raid.
The Illegal Immigration Raid: What We Know
Details about the illegal immigration raid remain limited. The company’s name, the specific violations, and the number of workers involved have not been made public. What is clear is that the company is still under contract and work on the State House continues.
This situation has led to several important questions:
- How are contractors for public projects vetted for immigration compliance?
- What steps are taken if a contractor is found to have violated immigration laws?
- Should there be stricter rules or more frequent checks for companies working on state-funded projects?
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the involvement of a company linked to an immigration raid in such a high-profile project could lead to increased scrutiny and possibly new rules for contractor selection in the future.
Construction Progress and Economic Impact
Despite the controversy, construction is moving ahead smoothly. By early 2025, about 90% of contracts had been awarded, with the project running $5 million under budget. The structural framework was completed in May 2025, marked by a topping out ceremony attended by lawmakers and RSA officials.
Economic benefits include:
- Most contracts awarded to Alabama-based companies, supporting local jobs and businesses
- The project is expected to provide a modern, accessible space for legislative work and public participation
- RSA’s investment ensures a steady return for the retirement system, benefiting state employees
The new State House is seen as a much-needed upgrade that will improve the efficiency of legislative work and make it easier for the public to attend meetings and participate in the democratic process.
Policy Implications: Contractor Vetting and Immigration Compliance
The connection between the State House project and the illegal immigration raid has put a spotlight on how contractors are chosen for public projects in Alabama. While there have been no official policy changes announced as of June 2025, the situation may prompt lawmakers to review current practices.
Possible areas for review:
- Stricter background checks for companies bidding on state contracts
- More frequent audits of contractors’ hiring practices
- Clearer guidelines for what happens if a contractor is found to have violated immigration laws
These steps could help prevent similar situations in the future and reassure the public that state funds are being used responsibly.
For more information on federal contractor requirements and immigration compliance, readers can visit the official U.S. Department of Labor’s E-Verify page, which explains how employers can check the work eligibility of their employees.
The Role of the Retirement Systems of Alabama
The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) is a key player in this project. RSA manages retirement funds for state employees and often invests in real estate projects to generate returns for its members. By financing the new State House and leasing it to the Legislature, RSA is using its investment power to support public infrastructure while earning a steady return.
RSA’s involvement means:
- The state does not have to pay the full cost of the building upfront
- RSA members benefit from the investment through higher returns on their retirement funds
- The partnership model could be used for other public projects in the future
RSA continues to monitor the project’s progress and financial performance, providing updates to lawmakers and the public as needed.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the State House Project?
Despite the controversy over the illegal immigration raid, the new State House is expected to be completed on time and within budget. Lawmakers are scheduled to move in by November 2026, and the building is expected to serve as a modern, accessible home for Alabama’s legislative work for decades to come.
Future developments to watch:
- Possible policy reviews or legislative hearings on contractor vetting and immigration compliance
- Continued updates from RSA on project progress and financial performance
- Ongoing public and media scrutiny of the companies involved in state-funded projects
No official policy changes or hearings have been announced as of June 2025, but the situation remains fluid and could change as more information becomes available.
Broader Implications: What This Means for Alabama and Beyond
The situation surrounding the new State House project highlights several important issues that go beyond Alabama:
- Public trust: When companies involved in public projects are linked to immigration violations, it can erode trust in government and raise questions about how public funds are managed.
- Economic impact: Awarding contracts to local companies supports the state’s economy, but ensuring those companies follow all laws is equally important.
- Policy changes: High-profile cases like this can lead to new rules and stricter enforcement, not just in Alabama but in other states as well.
As more states invest in public infrastructure, the need for careful contractor selection and strong compliance checks will only grow.
Actionable Takeaways for Readers
If you are a taxpayer, state employee, or simply interested in how public projects are managed, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources like the Retirement Systems of Alabama and local news outlets.
- Ask questions: If you have concerns about how contractors are chosen or how immigration laws are enforced on public projects, contact your state lawmakers or the Legislative Council.
- Understand the process: Learn more about how public-private partnerships work and how they can benefit both the state and public employees.
For those interested in immigration compliance and contractor requirements, the U.S. Department of Labor’s E-Verify page provides clear, official information on how employers can check work eligibility.
Conclusion
The construction of the new Alabama State House by a company linked to an illegal immigration raid has brought important issues to the forefront. While the project remains on track and under budget, the situation has raised questions about contractor vetting, immigration compliance, and the use of public funds. The Retirement Systems of Alabama continues to play a central role, ensuring the project’s financial health and supporting local businesses.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the controversy may lead to increased scrutiny and possible policy changes in the future. For now, the project stands as a major investment in Alabama’s future, with the potential to shape how public projects are managed for years to come.
Readers can find more information and official updates on the Retirement Systems of Alabama website. Stay tuned for further developments as the story continues to unfold.
Learn Today
Illegal immigration raid → Law enforcement action targeting unauthorized workers violating immigration laws, impacting employer contracts and public perception.
Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) → State entity managing retirement funds; invests in public projects like the Alabama State House for steady returns.
Public-private partnership → Collaborative project funding model where public entities and private organizations share investment, risks, and benefits.
Contractor vetting → Process of evaluating contractors’ background and compliance with laws before awarding public construction contracts.
Topping out ceremony → Construction milestone celebrating the completion of a building’s main structure, often with public officials attending.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Alabama State House project, financed by RSA, proceeds despite an illegal immigration raid linked to its contractor. The $292 million, seven-story building supports local businesses and remains on schedule for November 2026 completion, highlighting economic benefits and fueling debates on immigration compliance in public construction.
— By VisaVerge.com
