Some arrested in Nev. raids deported
USA Today
September 22, 2008
RENO, Nev. (AP) — More than half of the undocumented workers arrested in immigration raids on McDonald's restaurants were released Friday for "humanitarian purposes" while they await an appearance in immigration court, a federal official said Friday.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement revised the number of people arrested the day before to 54, down from 56. Seven were being deported to Mexico because of pervious immigration violations, and 17 remained in custody, ICE spokesman Richard Rocha said.
Humanitarian purposes can include such things as a medical condition or being the sole caregiver to children, he said, stressing that no children were left unattended as a result of the arrests.
The investigation began five months ago and was sparked by an identity theft complaint. A local law enforcement agency then gave ICE information that illegal immigrants were working at specific McDonald's restaurants, he said.
Luther Mack, who owns the raided restaurants, insisted that his businesses require employees to provide documentation.
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