Updated Apr 1, 2009 - 7:40 am
ICE releases immigrants after raid
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E-mail this | In February, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 28 people at a Yamato Engine Specialists plant. They were suspected of being in the country illegally.
The raid was the first mass arrest of immigrants since President Barack Obama took office and appeared to contradict his policy that federal agents focus more on employers who hire undocumented workers than on the workers themselves. Shortly after the arrests, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano ordered a review of the raid.
The Bellingham Herald reported that ICE gave the immigrants work permits or the option of returning to their native country.
Immigrants were released with documents advising them "that per the assistant United States attorney assigned to this case, all persons involved with the Yamato Engine Specialists ... should be afforded the benefit of deferred action and an employment authorization document, valid for the duration of this case."
ICE spokeswoman Lorie Dankers confirmed the workers were released pending further investigation of the engine company and were given the option of work permits. She declined to comment further.
Rosalinda Guillen, executive director of the Bellingham-based immigration advocacy group Community to Community Development, said most of the workers are remaining in the area with their families, and that two were deported.
The workers were released last Thursday, she said.
"We don't know how long the work permit is going to be for, or what they have to do to keep it," Guillen said.
Shirin Dhanani Makalai, Yamato's administrative manager, declined to comment as well.
Guillen said workers are expecting more questioning from ICE agents, and may seek legal help.
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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