Swift raids (Immigration) put Iowa Guard at risk, Vilsack says

[deminks]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061219/NEWS/61219032

In a blunt and stinging letter, the governor and the top officer of the Iowa National Guard today called federal immigration officials’ actions in the Swift raids “completely unacceptable,” saying agents undermined the public’s trust in government, potentially jeopardized the safety of law enforcement personnel in Iowa and could have compromised undercover operations.

Gov. Tom Vilsack and Maj. Gen. Ron Dardis, in a letter today to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, said they will not cooperate with federal immigration officials in the future unless they act more responsibly and provide better coordination with state officials.

Immigration officials “chose to pursue a solitary path that limited the operation’s effectiveness, created undue hardship for many not at fault, and led to resentment and further mistrust of government,” Vilsack and Dardis wrote.

“In order to prevent similar or greater problems in the future, please note that the Iowa National Guard, at both Camp Dodge and throughout our state, will now require proper notification to the governor and appropriate law enforcement personnel, as well as a thorough and synchronized media plan, before we again agree to provide any space for future actions or operations by ICE.”

As of this evening, 1,283 people had been arrested in connection with the Swift raids and charged with non-criminal administrative violations.

In another article:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/4964276.html

AP - Gov. Tom Vilsack is criticizing how federal immigration agents handled a recent raid at a meatpacking plant in Marshalltown.

He is also offering help to the families of the detained workers, especially children who don't know where their parents were taken.

Federal authorities detained about 90 workers last week from the Swift And Company plant as part of a national sweep. Many workers were deported to Mexico or transferred to other states for further processing.

Vilsack says he will try to enlist the help of President Bush and others to locate these detainees and alert their families of their whereabouts.

[madrchsod]

1. absolutely disgusting

no wonder the world no longer respects the united states of america.

[saigon68]

2. They will be back after being deported

[Vidar]

3. Good for Vilsack & the Major.