Columbia Farms to pay $1.5 million in settlement

Columbia Farms has entered into an agreement with the U.S. government that includes a $1.5 million payment to settle pending litigation for immigration violations, according to reports. Last year the South Carolina poultry plant was found to employ illegal immigrants, according to federal prosecutors.

The agreement with Columbia Farms was filed in federal court. In addition to the financial settlement, Columbia Farms has agreed to an overhaul of its hiring methods.