Rumors of INS raids keep many LI day laborers at home


Play the video (04/26/06) CENTRAL ISLIP - Many Long Island day laborers stayed at home Wednesday amidst swirling rumors of possible Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) raids on businesses.

News 12 Long Island visited nearly every place in Brentwood and Central Islip that was supposedly hit and found that, despite the rumors, no raids had taken place. However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials say a crackdown of businesses that hire illegal immigrants is planned in the near future.

Many undocumented workers say the thought of being questioned and possibly deported is enough to keep them off the streets and out of work. Experts say business is suffering as a result.