Thread: IA: Uncertainty Remains Following Immigration Raid

http://www.kcci.com/news/10807600/detail.html
Jan 21, 2007
Uncertainty Remains Following Immigration Raid
The Dec. 12 raid at the Swift and Co. plant in Marshalltown has left immigrants in the central Iowa town with a lingering sense of uncertainty and fear.

That's according to Erica Palmer, a community organizer with Latinos in Action, a chapter of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.

The raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents resulted in 97 people being detained. Palmer said many remain out of work, and others are moving out of town.

Some, she said, are afraid to take their kids to school, or even to go to the grocery store.

The fallout from the raid has prompted the local newspaper to organize a community summit to address immigration issues.

Ken Larson is the managing editor of the Marshalltown Times-Republican. He said the summit would bring together local, state and immigration officials, and the community to educate them about immigration.

He said the goal is to get lawmakers to introduce legislation to change immigration laws and bring common sense to the discussion.

The summit is scheduled for Feb. 26 at Dejarden Hall at Marshalltown Community College.

They knew they were breaking the law, subject to deportation at any time, and only NOW they're afraid?