Nampa workplace raid in takes 16 into custody
BY BETHANN STEWART AND PATRICK ORR
Idaho Statesman
12/05/08
Despite careful documentation by Idaho Truss, feds say the workers may have used fake IDs.
Idaho Truss & Component Co. President Kendall Hoyd said he was shocked to learn Thursday that 16 of his employees were suspected of working illegally.
"We carefully documented everyone when we hired them," Hoyd said. "We did all the reporting that is required by law."
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained the 16 Mexican men after a raid at the Nampa-based wood framing company Thursday morning.
The Idaho Community Action Network denounced Thursday's raid.
"What a terrible time of year to be tearing families apart!" said Roxy Carr, ICAN leader from Twin Falls, in a statement. "I know we can do better than this. It's time our government got serious about fixing the system."
On Thursday, Catholic Charities of Idaho and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise issued a statement condemning recent immigration enforcement actions in Idaho and urging ICE to work more closely with community advocates to protect children and prevent the separation of families.
According to ICE, the 8:30 a.m. raid was part of a yearlong investigation, which began with a review of the employment records of workers who were building military housing at the Mountain Home Air Force Base earlier this year.
Idaho Truss had been providing information to ICE for the past several weeks, Hoyd said.
ICE investigators said there is evidence the workers may have used fake Social Security numbers and other counterfeit identification like fraudulent Green Cards to get their jobs, said ICE spokeswoman Lorie Dankers.
Deportation proceedings have begun for the men, who were all in custody Thursday night, Dankers said.
Three of the men have been previously deported, Dankers said, and three have criminal convictions in the United States.
None appear to qualify to be released for humanitarian reasons, Dankers said.
Being the primary caregiver for children would be a possible reason for release, Dankers said.
Even if released, those workers would still be deported but the process would likely take longer than for someone who remained in custody, Dankers said.
Idaho Truss has about a third of its truss builders remaining, Hoyd said. Those workers will pick up some extra hours temporarily.
"Operationally, it'll be about a day set back," Hoyd said. "We'll need to hire more truss builders."
No charges have been filed against the company yet, and the investigation is ongoing, Dankers said
ICE's investigation began with a tip from the public and information gathered over the last year led to the Nampa raid Thursday, Dankers said.
Idaho Truss & Component Co. has been in business for 30 years and produces wood framing components for buildings - including roof trusses, floor joists and panels, wall panels, and other structural supports - according to the company's Web site.
The company also has work crews who can assemble the construction materials in the field, company officials said Thursday.
Family members seeking information on any of the workers who have been detained should call ICE at (208) 685-6697.
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