LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- As federal agents stepped up workplace raids, Palmdale, a city in the Los Angeles County, has become the first U.S. city to join a federal program aimed at reducing the hiring of undocumented workers, it was reported today.

    The voluntary program emphasizes self-policing by employers and requires the use of a federal online system to verify employees' eligibility, the Daily News reported.

    "We wanted a way to show that we are aware of the immigration status of our work force, and we are concerned about the people we contract with as well," Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford told the newspaper.

    Following the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers, or IMAGE program, could lower the chance of a company violating immigration laws, according to federal officials quoted by the Daily News.

    Palmdale, which employs more than 280 people, and Swissport Cargo Services at Los Angeles International Airport are among 26 employers that have become IMAGE members, the Daily News reported.

    Participating employers must complete certain requirements, including undergoing an ICE audit of I-9 worker eligibility forms and establishing an internal training program to detect fraudulent use of documents. Employers also must use the Internet-based E-Verify system and other databases to screen new hires and verify the Social Security numbers of their existing workers.

    ICE, in turn, will provide education and training on proper hiring procedures, fraudulent document detection, use of E-Verify, and anti-discrimination procedures, the Daily News reported.