DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Religious leaders and immigration reform advocates said the human suffering caused by a raid on an Iowa meatpacking plant continues and officials are ignoring the problem.
In a conference call Wednesday with reporters, the Rev. Steve Brackett of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Postville said the May 12 raid on the Agriprocessors Inc. meatpacking plant has left dozens of women with children destitute.
Officials arrested but released about 40 women to care for children. They must wear ankle bracelets and can't work because of their illegal status. Since their husbands are in jail, they are relying on churches for contributions of food and money.
Brackett and representatives of Jewish organizations said the federal government must hold companies responsible for hiring illegal immigrants and stop tearing families apart in raids.
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