Largest Immigration Raid In History

Federal officials say more than 1,200 people were arrested during raids of meatpacking plants in six states. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says the raids uncovered a “disturbing front” in the war against illegal immigration. He says an investigation found that illegal immigrants were using the identities of U.S. citizens to obtain jobs. Chertoff says raids like the one yesterday “protect the privacy rights of innocent Americans while striking a blow against illegal immigration.”

He says an investigation found that illegal immigrants were using the identities of U.S. citizens to obtain jobs. Chertoff says raids like the one yesterday “protect the privacy rights of innocent Americans while striking a blow against illegal immigration.”

The raids at the Swift company plants, including one in Greele, Colorado, resulted in nearly 1,300 arrests, most on immigration charges. Chertoff says the investigation is continuing into several groups that might have sold identity documents to illegal immigrants. Attorney General Suthers praised the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the enforcement action taken in Greeley Tuesday and other communities across the country.

“The misuse of valid Social Security numbers by illegal immigrants to secure employment has long been a problem. It is my hope that this enforcement action is an indication that federal authorities are determined to do something about it. It will require a significant dedication of resources by ICE and the Social Security Administration to solve the problem,” Suthers said.

Suthers indicated his office will continue to work closely with federal authorities in enforcing state laws related to illegal immigration to reduce the costs of illegal immigrants to Colorado citizens. In July, Suthers met with U.S. Attorney Alberto Gonzales to encourage greater enforcement efforts by federal agencies.