Business immigration check at New York establishment left workers apprehensive, causing production declines, as reported by the co-owner
In a shocking turn of events, federal immigration agents conducted a raid at Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato, New York, marking the largest sweep yet in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown at worksites.
The operation, which began around 9 a.m., involved over 100 agents using four-wheelers, foot, and possibly crowbars to force entry into the manufacturing company. The raid appeared to target Hispanic employees, separating them from others.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) was reportedly responsible for the raid, targeting industries that often depend on immigrant labor, such as manufacturing and agriculture. The company, Nutrition Bar Confectioners, complies with all federal labor laws and ensures proper documentation for its employees.
A Guatemalan worker, who has been working on the production line for two years, described the mounting panic as agents surrounded the building. Agents sealed the exits, halted production, and corralled workers for questioning. After showing his identification card, the worker was released within half an hour, but others, including coworkers with valid work permits, were taken into custody. The raid resulted in the detainment of dozens of employees.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul sharply condemned the raid, calling it a cruel disruption to immigrant families. She expressed concern for the safety of the detained workers and hoped for their return. The worker, a legal US resident, stated that ICE agents neither showed warrants nor explained the reason for the raid.
Production at the plant came to a standstill during the raid but has since resumed, though at reduced capacity. Some employees who were released from detention returned to the plant almost immediately. A similar operation took place in Ellabell, Georgia, where 475 workers, mostly Korean nationals, were detained.
The company will start the hiring process for new workers this weekend. The worker expressed concern for the safety of the detained workers and hoped for their return, stating, "We are a family here, and we want everyone back."
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