Agency sees increase in applicants seeking jobs
By Eloria Newell James, community@leadercall.com

While federal officials are continuing to determine the citizenship of hundreds of employees at a Jones County manufacturing plant, local officials are working to find people to work at the facility.

Barbara Gonzalez with public affairs for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) headquarters in Washington, D.C., said federal officials are continuing the processing of those detained at Howard Industries’ Laurel (Pendorff) plant and its (Ellisville) headquarters.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) officials conducted a roundup Monday at Howard Industries.

Gonzalez said 595 Howard employees have been identified as illegal immigrants.

Officials said at least 106 of the illegal immigrants identified have been determined to be “eligible for alternative to detention status based on humanitarian matters.â€