This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
The case was heard for oral argument before the Supreme Court of the United States at 11:10 a.m.
According to Petitioner, mohawk Industries is alleged to have participated in an association‑in‑fact enterprise with third‑party employment agencies and recruiters.
The proceeding has only reached the stage of a motion to dismiss.
The Court indicated that the judgment of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals should be affirmed.
Background and question before the Court
According to United States, the complaint alleges that Mohawk entered into a long‑term collaborative venture with outside recruiters to perpetrate violations of federal immigration law.
Justice Scalia asked why the first point raised by the petition was not presented in the lower courts.
According to Justice Souter, justice Souter questioned whether it is reasonable to infer an understanding that Mohawk would provide documentation to make the scheme work.
Justice Souter also asked whether the alleged conduct constitutes more than one racketeering act.
According to Justice Kennedy, justice Kennedy questioned why the term “person” was used in the statutory subsection if the intent was to embrace everything else.
What each side argues
Petitioner (Mohawk Industries, Inc.)
According to Mr. Phillips, the standard articulated in *Reves*—whether a party is conducting its own affairs—applies to the present case.
Mohawk argues that a test requiring it not to participate in hiring activities would dramatically change the interpretation of RICO.
According to Howard W. Foster, the complaint should name Mohawk Industries and certain individuals as the RICO persons rather than the corporation alone.
According to Mr. Phillips, the Court should reverse the decision below and dismiss the complaint, as the Seventh Circuit did.
What happened at oral argument
The case has proceeded only to the stage of a motion to dismiss.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 0dd6407bfb264ee3f32f-r1-dfec235560d845cb.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 21, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.