New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions review: Check withheld

I am writing to report a serious issue involving my 16-year-old son, who is employed at the McDonald’s located at 3445 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. He has worked there since June 2025, earning minimum wage and receiving paychecks twice a month, on the 7th and the 22nd.

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, my son was told by a manager named Alicia that he could not receive his paycheck unless he paid her $49 in cash. When he informed her that withholding his paycheck was illegal, she responded, “That’s not my problem,” and claimed that the directive came from the district manager, Viridiana.

My son has never signed any agreement or acknowledged owing this amount. He has no idea what the $49 charge is for. Furthermore, he said that other employees were also asked to pay cash to Alicia in exchange for their paychecks—and those who did pay reportedly received their checks afterward.

This appears to be blatant wage theft and possibly extortion, especially considering many of the employees may not be aware of their rights under labor law. As you may know, it is illegal under both New Mexico and federal law for an employer to withhold wages or require payment from an employee in exchange for releasing earned pay.

I am requesting an immediate investigation into this matter. I believe my son and possibly other employees are being taken advantage of, and this conduct must be addressed to prevent further abuse.