Press Release

Gutierrez to Lead Members of Congressional Hispanic Caucus to Postville, Iowa
Aftermath of largest-ever ICE raids leaves employers off the hook & nearly 400 families devastated, emphasizing need for immigration reform

July 15, 2008

Media Contact: Rebecca Dreilinger (202) 225-8203
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Washington, DC – Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) today announced that they will visit those most impacted by the May 12, 2008 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid of the Agriprocessors meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa.

As the Bush Administration and ICE crack down on, criminalize and imprison workers, nearly 400 families in Postville have been left with an impossible daily struggle to feed their children. Meanwhile, their employers—accused of wage and hour violations, child labor and physical and sexual abuse—face no charges.  

Members will meet with workers at the plant, families and American-citizen children left behind, detainees who were released with electronic homing devices, religious leaders and community organizations to hear their stories and bring the findings back to Congress. Members will also be available to press.

 

 

  Who:       Congressman Joe Baca, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus

                   Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez, Chairman of the CHC Immigration Task Force

       Congressman Albio Sires, Chairman of the CHC Task Force on Economic Development

 

  When:      Saturday, July 26, 2008

 

  Where:     Postville, IA

 

Members of the press who wish to travel from the Chicago area should contact the Office of Congressman Gutierrez to inquire about shared van service.

 

 

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