Portland, Oregon -- U.S. Customs and enforcement agents executed arrest and search warrants at three Portland locations as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged criminal violations by employees of a national staffing firm that hires workers for the processing plant operated by Fresh Del Monte Produce in Portland.
In a joint investigation to covered by ICE and the Social Security Administration, office of Inspector General, found evidence of the production and distribution of forged documents and the employment of illegal aliens, some of the individuals were using Social Security numbers which apparently have criminal records, have been previously deported or on warrants of deportation.
The Social Security administration found that there were at least 29 Social Security numbers from deceased persons, 18 juveniles, 13 who are more than 70 years old, and seven persons who are 60 or above and are receiving disability benefits.
One of the consequences of misuse of a person so security number can result in the TRUE owner of that number having benefits reduced, suspended or terminated.
According to Fox news{[link]}--, only 48 of nearly 600 employees Fresh Del Monte Produce had valid Social Security numbers.
Portland Mayor Tom Potter was angered about the raids.
""I am angered by this morning's arrest by federal officers of approximately 150 Portland residents who were working at a local produce company. "{KGW}--
Potter continued by stating that "our nation would be better served if it's kind of energy was focused on creating a comprehensive approach to immigration Reform and provides a path to citizenship..." continues Potter,” my heart goes out to the families dealing with the aftermath of this morning." {I am assuming Potter is referring to all those people who have had their lives ruined by identity theft}
Potter stated that no Portland police officers participated in the raids.
Immigrant rights groups, church and labor leaders gathered outside downtown Edith Green/Wendall Wyatt Federal Building this afternoon to denounce the raids.
" "We are at a crossroads as a nation to decide what kind of country we want to be," said Aeryca Steinbauer of CAUSA, a statewide immigrant-rights coalition. "There will be long-term trauma to many children" [buzzword alert!] who will be separated from deported parents."{Oregonian breaking news}--
Tom Potter, Aeryca Steinbauer of CAUSA, Senator Ron Wyden and others be worried about the children of criminals who broke into their houses? Burglars have families too.
I will say it again, yes, our immigration system can use an overhaul, however, totally bypassing the system is not the answer.
4 comments:
Ever wonder why those jobs pay so badly? Level the playing field on hiring with legal hires and pay will go up - note that the plutocrats won't like it. (BushCo)
Just a note to all the children that will suffer from long term trauma of having their parents deported - tell your parents not to break the law. Life is hard. Learn to deal with it. We all have something that will effect the rest of our lives, we call it experience.
I'm angry that the politicians are more interested in the rights of non-citizens than they are about the identity theft of Americans. We do need immigration reform but I think that first we need politician reform. Fresh blood might make all the difference.
Laura-well put. Get on board with no amnesty or get out. Enforce our laws or get out. Stop telling me what we can't do and start telling me what you will do!
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