CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Some construction subcontractors have complained to the Bradley County Commission that competitors are hiring illegal workers and driving them out of business.

“It seems to be getting out of hand,” local contractor Jerry Chess said. “I’d say I’ve lost 65 percent of my business this year.”

Troy Smith, a masonry contractor, agreed that the problem lies with general contractors and homeowners. Employers go to locations like one on Georgetown Road where unemployed people gather, hire them for the day and pay them in the evening in cash, he said.

Mr. Chess, who employs six workers legally, said he can’t find work because he must pay taxes, insurance and other costs for providing jobs, and his competitors do not, making their prices much cheaper. Mr. Chess said he may have to go out of business soon.

“It’s clearly against the law to hire illegals,” Mr. Smith said.

Both men agreed the practice lines the pockets of employers of illegals at the expense of law-abiding business owners.

Their pleas found sympathetic ears among commissioners who spoke at a commission meeting Monday.

“We have talked to legislators about this, but locally I have no idea what we can do,” Commissioner Howard Thompson said.

Commissioner Ed Elkins asked why law enforcement can’t trace illegal workers and illegal employers through their tax forms.

“These people don’t care about the law or Social Security numbers,” Commissioner Jim Smith said. “They are illegal.”

“I know I care, but I’m not sure what I can do as a county commissioner,” Mr. Elkins told the subcontractors.

Laws already exist, he said, but aren’t enforced.

Meanwhile Sheriff Tim Gobble announced that his department has become part of the Federal Criminal Alien Program through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That allows the sheriff’s department to identify whether all new inmates are U.S. citizens.

“This is a step in the right direction, but the federal government must get the illegal alien problem under control by securing the U.S. borders and quickly deporting all who come here illegally,” the sheriff said. “The first test of citizenship is the ability to follow the law.”

Chief Deputy Bill Dyer said over the past several years there has been a noticeable increase in offenders brought to the jail who cannot provide a driver’s license, Social Security card or authenticated immigration papers.