The men were found building a garage at Chirps Auto Shop on Harrison Street.

Chief Michael Kovalyk said the four men admitted to coming to the country illegally between 1998 and 2004.

"One individual told us he paid $5,000 to come into the country (and) paid another $500 for a Social Security and identification card," Kovalyk said.

Two of the suspected illegal immigrants were let go. Kovalyk said the duo had been arrested before for being in the country illegally, but were released because they are under a restraining order by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services.

Kovalyk said the men are the first batch under a new ordinance the village passed in June that prohibits unauthorized workers.

"These people were here illegally in this country, and I hate to say it, but they were making more money than some of my part-time police officers. It's a shame," he said. "It's just taking jobs away from Americans and does nothing for our economy, especially locally."

Under the ordinance, the Kentucky-based company that hired the workers must pay a $500 fine for each worker.

Mayor Vince DiFabrizio said he hopes the ordinance will curb illegal workers in Bellaire.

"If you are not eligible to work in this town, don't come to this town because you will get picked up. You will be brought down here and you will be put through the process," DiFabrizio said.

Kovalyk said federal officials are on their way to pick up the two men being held at the Belmont County Jail.

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli & Chandi Lowry, NEWS9

Previous Stories: June 15, 2007: Bellaire Takes Action Against Illegal Workers May 19, 2007: Village Taking Action Against Illegal Workers