http://www.fox11az.com/news/topstories/stories/kmsb-20070613-kgwjc-immigrationraidchurch.44c89198.htmlOregon Church backs immigrant families in wake of raid
04:14 PM MST on Wednesday, June 13, 2007
By DAVID KROUGH, kgw.com Staff and The Associated Press
OREGON - Temporary employees arrived Wednesday at a local food processing plant after an immigration raid Tuesday netted 167 illegal workers -- an operation that angered Portland’s Catholic Archdiocese and the mayor.
The Archbishop of Portland John Vlazny issued a statement Wednesday concerning the raid. He called the raid "an affront to a nation whose tradition has always welcomed the stranger in search of the security and livelihood which he cannot find in the country of his origin."
More: Read the Archbishop's statement
KGW Sky 8 photo
Federal agents raided offices of American Staffing Resources and a Fresh Del Monte Produce plant in North Portland looking for evidence of illegal workers and identification fraud.
Mayor Tom Potter said he was angered by the operation and added that he supported three ID theft arrests, but not the seizure of the workers.
“To go after local workers who are here to support their families while filling the demands of local businesses for their labor is bad policy,” Potter said in a statement.
Also: Read the mayor's statement
A local union president however, defended the raid, saying the business was doing what amounted to taking jubs away from oregonians by hiring illegal workers.
FULL story at link.