Union Suing ICE Over Raids

September 12, 2007 

by Janie Gabbett, The Cattle Network

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union said it would file a class-action lawsuit Wednesday against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in an attempt to stop federal officials from conducting workplace raids, calling a series of raids at Swift and Co. plants in December illegal.

The suit, to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, will call for an immediate injunction against what UFCW called, "the excessive, illegal and unnecessary worksite raids conducted by ICE agents." The union will also seek damages for workers who say their rights were violated.

ICE spokesman Tim Counts told Meatingplace.com that from what the agency knows so far, the charges appear baseless and the agency plans to fight the suit vigorously.

"Our attorneys have not yet seen the lawsuit," Counts said. "However, last December's worksite enforcement operation at six Swift plants was conducted lawfully and in full accordance with ICE policies and procedures. Each person encountered was treated with respect and has been given full access to due process under the law."

The UFCW represents 1.3 million workers nationwide, including 250,000 in the packing and food-processing industries.