Company at center of New Bedford immigration raid is sold

Associated Press - November 3, 2007 9:24 PM ET

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) - The New Bedford company at the center of an immigration raid eight months ago has been sold.

Michael Bianco Incorporated was sold to Fenton, Missouri-based Eagle Industries.

The price of the transaction was not disclosed.

Michael Bianco has Pentagon contracts to make military backpacks and vest systems.

New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang says the sale is good news because it assures that the company can win more government contracts and keep jobs in the city.

The previous owner is facing charges and has been barred from getting government contracts.

The March raid resulted in the apprehension of 361 of the company's 500 employees, many of them undocumented immigrants from Central America.

It also prompted an outcry from immigrant advocates because many of those arrested were flown to a Texas detention facility, separating some from their families.

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