In Bellingham, Washington, a roofing company was raided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leading to the detention of three family members and dozens of co-workers. Witnessing masked agents in tactical gear with guns drawn, a worker described seeing his brother and cousins apprehended in the raid. More than three dozen employees were arrested and taken to a processing facility in Tacoma as part of a criminal investigation into the unlawful employment of individuals without legal work authorization. The company owner denied any knowledge of his employees being in the U.S. without proper authorization. The Trump administration’s shift in policy for deportation to include families and children without criminal backgrounds was evident in this operation.
The worker whose family members were detained described feeling scared and heartbroken by the operation, noting the officers’ intimidating presence. Families affected by the raid expressed sadness and devastation, with many rallying in support of those who were arrested. The worker, even though he is a U.S. citizen, revealed contemplating returning to Mexico out of fear and uncertainty for his family’s safety and well-being. The impact of the raid on the community was described as tearing families apart and causing emotional distress. The worker’s story highlights the lasting effects of such operations on individuals and communities, leading to feelings of insecurity and anxiety among those affected. Overall, the raid brought to light the harsh reality faced by many undocumented workers and their families in the United States.
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