Jayesh Patel, the owner, said he does not condone the use of undocumented workers at that site,

But nine construction workers there were detained by Border Patrol agents Feb. 15 and charged with immigration violations. Patel's company, Rudra Management & Rosewood Hotels, had hired TG Interiors & Drywall Inc, a contractor in the suburbs of Dallas, which brought in the undocumented immigrants.

Six telephone calls and messages left at TG Interiors seeking comment were not returned.

Patel said it was his understanding that the workers had proper documentation. Given what happened, he said it is unlikely he will hire the Texas contractor for future jobs.

"We don't take the system lightly, and we don't deviate," Patel said.

George LaBarbara, Patel's superintendent in charge of the $8 million hotel project, now regularly checks that all workers at the site have proper documentation to work in the United States.

"We're not required to do it, but we are," Patel said, adding that he encourages subcontractors to hire local residents to work on his projects.