A class action lawsuit has been filed against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) for allegedly violating the 4th Amendment rights of all Americans by illegally arresting and detaining workers including US citizens and legal residents while at their workplace. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas on behalf of detained workers.
On December 12, 2006 more than 12,000 meatpacking workers,including citizens, legal residents, and immigrants in the process of legalization, were swept up in ICE raids at six meat packing plants across the country. The suit calls for an injunction against excessive, illegal, and unnecessary work site raids conducted by ICE agents. During the raids, workers were denied access to telephones, bathrooms, and legal counsel. Citizens and legal residents also were deprived of the opportunity to retrieve documents to establish their legal status.
If you feel you shold be included in this class action lawsuit, please contact Jill Cashen at the [United Food and Commercial Workers International Union]
