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  1. #1
    Senior Member LawEnforcer's Avatar
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    UPDATE: 154 Now Face Criminal Charges in Raid

    VIDEOS at link
    http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/18861684.html


    Story Updated: May 14, 2008

    POSTVILLE / WATERLOO - Officials call Monday's immigration raid in Postville the "largest raid of it's kind in Iowa history" and "the largest single site raid nationwide". Officials say 390 people total were arrested in that raid.

    Intake court, initial appearances and criminal court continue at the National Cattle Congress grounds in Waterloo. Because of the number of people arrested, it is taking time.

    "Just the numbers that were there, to try and get everything processed, it slowed everything down. It took awhile to get through some of the initial stages and we've now worked out that process," said Bob Teig, Assistant U.S. Attorney.

    On Tuesday, officials had charged 20 detainees with criminal charges including aggravated identity theft and false use of social security numbers. The U.S. Attorney's Office worked through the night and all day. Now an total of 154 people face criminal charges.

    A number of judges and court personnel have been temporarily relocated to Waterloo to help start the legal process. Lawyers have been assigned to those who are facing criminal charges. A temporary court room has been set up in the Cattle Congress building, and two more are set up in trailors on the site.

    The U.S. Attorney's Office is working around the clock to determine if it needs to file more criminal charges against anyone else. If you'd like to see the proceedings, the public is welcome to go to the National Cattle Congress site in Waterloo and attend the hearings.

    The immigration officials tell TV9 they do not expect to house the men at the National Cattle Congress after Thursday. They have been staying here since Monday night. After Thursday, the men will be going to other detention facilities around the area.

    On Tuesday , the first round of detainees were brought in front of the judge to make sure all of the charges filed are proper and all of the paperwork is filed correctly. The individuals facing charges were shackled and handcuffed. Within a week, they will all have another hearing during which the government will explain how it plans to proceed. Monday night was difficult for many of the detainees, but federal agents say they did their best to treat everyone fairly.

    Those not facing criminal charges are being held under administrative arrest for violating immigration rules. There will be no administrative proceedings in Waterloo. Those under administrative arrest will be moved to another I.C.E. facility, not necessarily in Iowa.

    Those detained include 315 men, who are currently held in Waterloo at the National Cattle Congress, and 76 women who are being held at the Hardin County jail. Check out the behind the scenes video, at left, to see footage of the living conditions, intake area and courtroom.

    Officials say that those detained are from four countries: Guatemala, Mexico, Israel and Ukraine.

    Fifty-six of those arrested were released on humanitarian grounds. Most of those were released for childcare reasons, with a few being released for medical reasons.

    Officials say they had 697 warrants, and with only 390 arrests, that leaves over 300 people unaccounted for. They say they are not going door-to-door looking for those people.

    On Tuesday, officials made no comment about legal action against managers or owners of the plant. They also did not comment on plans for other raids in this area.

    There were two injuries reported during the raid. One man hurt his leg while fleeing from officials. He was treated and is still in custody. An agent also hurt his leg in a stairwell.

    St. Bridget's Catholic Church opened facilities for families affected. And there is a hotline for families involved: 866-341-3858.

    On Monday, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued criminal search warrants for aggravated identify theft and fraudulent Social Security numbers. Agency spokesman Tim Counts said that civil search warrants also were issued for illegal immigrants.

    In a statement released on Monday, Governor Culver said, "I believe it is important that we crack down on illegal immigration. Illegal means illegal. Not just those who cross the border, but also those who are responsible for helping make it happen -- traffickers, identity thieves, those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, and anyone who has taken advantage of employees or turned a blind eye." Read the full release from the Governor's office by clicking on the link in "related content" on this page.

    Immigration activists said they feared the National Cattle Congress fairgrounds in Waterloo is being prepared as a detention center. Giertz tells TV9 that I.C.E. officials said that facility will be used for processing, not long-term detention. In December of 2006, those apprehended in a raid at Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Marshalltown were taken by federal agents to the Camp Dodge military base in Johnston.

    Agriprocessors is the world's largest kosher meatpacking plant. They employ between 500 and 999 people, according to Iowa Workforce Development. Agriprocessors is the largest employer in Allamakee County.

  2. #2
    Senior Member MyAmerica's Avatar
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    Officials say they had 697 warrants, and with only 390 arrests, that leaves over 300 people unaccounted for. They say they are not going door-to-door looking for those people.
    Why aren't they going after them? Many lived in an apartment complex according to one landlord and some may be back at work at the plant.
    "Distrust and caution are the parents of security."
    Benjamin Franklin

    Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)

  3. #3
    Senior Member lccat's Avatar
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    "Immigration activists said they feared the National Cattle Congress fairgrounds in Waterloo is being prepared as a detention center. Giertz tells TV9 that I.C.E. officials said that facility will be used for processing, not long-term detention. In December of 2006, those apprehended in a raid at Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Marshalltown were taken by federal agents to the Camp Dodge military base in Johnston."

    Just enough time to hold the ILLEGALS until they can be DEPORTED!

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