PORTLAND - A local attorney says Tuesday's immigration raid in Portland was retaliation against worker complaints about safety violations.
Federal agents executed search and arrest warrants at three Portland locations. They say about 30 of those arrested were allowed to stay in Portland for health or family reasons. A busload of arrestees arrived Tuesday night at a U.S. Department of Homeland Security facility in Tukwila, Wash.
Officials say the raid was based on a federal investigation that began in January. But a local attorney and professor who represented Del Monte workers in a class-action lawsuit against the company says it was revenge.
"This was a publicized settlement where immigration officials were aware that there was this group of workers who had complained about workplace violations and this is the first plant they go after in Oregon -- I think it's more than coincidence," Keith Cunningham-Parmeter told KOIN News 6.
A state investigation found that eight workers were fired after complaining about safety problems.
Officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent a response to KOIN: "ICE conducts all operations strictly in the interest of law enforcement and not for any other reason."
Then the Mayor who has been described as an Republican wrapped in Democrat's Clothes, this is what he had to say...
PORTLAND - Mayor Tom Potter says he is angered by Tuesday's arrest of dozens of workers at a Portland plant.
He issued this statement:
I am angered by this morning's arrest by federal officers of approximately 150 Portland residents who were working at a local produce company.
I certainly understand why federal officials executed criminal warrants against three individuals who stole and sold Social Security numbers. But to go after local workers who are here to support their families while filling the demands of local businesses for their labor is bad policy. It also serves as a reminder of the failure of our national leaders to deliver an immigration policy that is both fair and humane to families and acknowledges the economic realities of our country.
Our nation would be better served if this kind of energy was focused on creating a comprehensive approach to immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship; addresses the immigration backlog that keeps families apart; and provides a safe and legal way for workers to enter our country and be productive workers and taxpayers. Immigrants provide more than mere labor in our community. They have long enriched our history, our culture and our city. My heart goes out to families dealing with the aftermath of this morning.
In this morning's raid, no Portland police officers participated, and our Crisis Response Team was activated to help families affected.
And here is what the Company which employed them has to say..
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. Responds to Immigration Visit at Portland, Ore. Facility
CORAL GABLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2007--Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE:FDP) takes its obligation to comply with U.S. immigration law very seriously. In response to reports that have appeared in various electronic and print media, Fresh Del Monte confirms that on Tuesday, June 12th, 2007, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") personnel visited Fresh Del Monte's Portland, Oregon facility. Fresh Del Monte has been advised that it is not a current target of the investigation.
Fresh Del Monte has, and will, continue to cooperate with ICE in its investigation. Fresh Del Monte retained American Staffing Resources to provide a contingent labor force at the Portland facility. Fresh Del Monte does not employ this labor force. Fresh Del Monte is committed to complying with all laws and regulations.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is one of the world's leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared food in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Fresh Del Monte markets its products worldwide under the Del Monte(R) brand, a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability for over 100 years.
