An investigation by Michigan Messenger reveals that Hallmark Industrial -- an oil spill cleanup contractor based in Texas and subcontracted by Enbridge Energy -- has been busing in hundreds of allegedly undocumented workers to work on the cleanup of the Calhoun County oil spill in Michigan.

The workers were expected to work nearly 100 hours a week in unsafe conditions, with 12-14 hour shifts per day, seven days a week. Photographs obtained by the Michigan Messenger reveal numerous violations of OSHA safety standards including evidence of workers covered in oil and mud getting food and water. The fact that workers may not possess legal right to work in the United States did not give Hallmark or Enbridge any legal right to abuse and exploit them under fair labor standards and practices.