Thread: Postville Aftermath: 302 Detainees Charged Criminally, 297..

Postville Aftermath: 302 Detainees Charged Criminally, 297 Plead Guilty
By Lynda Waddington

76 Percent of Those Detained in Nation’s Largest Criminal Immigration Operation Already Convicted of Criminal Wrongdoing

Ten days ago federal authorities surrounded Agriprocessors, a kosher meatpacking plant in Postville, and took 389 workers into custody on possible immigration violations. Within 48 hours officials with the U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Iowa and Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that the first 20 arrests on criminal charges had taken place. By the time another 48 hours had passed, the public learned that a total of 305 of the 389 detained would face criminal charges, and that those charges would take precedence over any immigration proceedings.

Today — the last day makeshift courtroom facilities at the National Cattle Congress in Waterloo were used — the final groups of those accused were shackled and walked before a judge to enter their pleas. A full 98 percent, or 297 of the 302 detainees facing criminal charges, opted to enter a guilty plea and accept a lesser sentence. They will be deported and banned from reentering the United States for the rest of their lives.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office originally indicated 305 had been arrested on criminal wrongdoing. After that announcement was made, six cases involving juveniles were dismissed and three additional defendants were arrested. Of the 302 that faced criminal charges, only five did not opt to enter a guilty plea. Those five individuals will make their next court appearances at the federal building in Cedar Rapids next week during preliminary hearings.

“Months of investigation and operational planning really paid off and allowed us to move through so many cases since May 12,â€

Since there was no mention of deportation after time served, does that mean they get to stay in the country?

What a crock of BULL****

What good is probation when all they have to do is buy a new fake ID? These people have proven to be non-compliant in regards to legal requirements.
Does anyone have a follow-up to find out if these liars will be deported?