http://www.whotv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5812548

State Leaders Respond to Immigrant Raids

December 14, 2006 -- Governor Tom Vilsack says he's "extremely disappointed," with the way federal officials have handled the Marshalltown Swift and Company immigration sting. In response, he's offered three answers:

First, he's called on federal officials to improve communication with both state and local authorities. Second, Vilsack wants federal officials to grant prisoners access to family members, to arrange for child care, and to be able to obtain legal representation. Third, he's offered state assistance to the cities of Marshalltown and Johnston to help with law enforcement and social programs.

Senator Tom Harkin said, "The process used to detain individuals in the wake of Tuesday's raid at the Swift packing plant has been murky... We are not satisfied with the response that we have received from ICE regarding the treatment of some of those detained... The raid highlights the need to reform the immigration system."

Both Congressman Leonard Boswell and Senator Charles Grassley say they support this week's illegal immigration raids at Swift & Company Plants in six states.

Boswell says, "I was pleased to see this enforcement effort take place. While hundreds were arrested, I'm interested in finding out more why Swift & Company employed so many illegal aliens."

Senator Grassley said, "While we need to welcome legal immigrants into our communities, illegal activity should have consequences for immigrants as well as employers."

It's unlikely Swift & Company will face any consequences for employing nearly 1,300 illegal immigrants. The federal government says the company followed the law by voluntarily submitting names and social security numbers to the federal government.