A Detroit-area company which makes products for the auto industry, may have to pay $40,000 to the the government's immigration agency. The company is accused of failing to properly complete nearly 100 eligibility forms for workers.

Problems were revealed during an audit in March by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Applied Plastic Products in St. Clair County's Ira Township.

"These violations include failing to ... ensure that an employee attests to the fact that he is authorized to work in the U.S., and failure to review proper employee documents to ensure work eligibility," ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls said Tuesday.

"There were no charges lodged for knowingly hiring" illegal immigrants, he said.

Under immigration law, employers must verify the eligibility of workers by maintaining I-9 forms. Applied Plastic was given an opportunity to complete the formalities which it failed. ICE proposed a $41,360 fine in April. The company didn't oppose the penalty within 30 days, and the federal government now wants the money.

The government filed a lawsuit last month in federal court in Detroit. The company has until Jan. 11 to respond.