RSS Feeds
Contact Us |
|
|||||||||||||
News » Top Story
Article rated a 3
by 2
users |
|
||
A youngster looks through the locked gates of the NCC grounds in Waterloo at ICE Agents inside as the marchers reached their destination on the walk from Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Waterloo Sunday afternoon.(RICK CHASE/ COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
~ADVERTISING~
400 march to NCC grounds
By JENS MANUEL KROGSTAD, Courier Staff Writer
WATERLOO --- As protestors approached the National Cattle Congress, some linked arms.
Others curled their fingers around the chain-link fence, faced a group of federal agents staring stoically through the barrier, and held up signs.
More than 400 people from across Iowa and neighboring states had just marched nearly three miles along River Road Sunday.
They started at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, where clergy, union workers and activists denounced last week's immigration raid in Postville.
On May 12, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained 389 workers at Agriprocessors in the largest single raid in U.S. history. A majority have been charged criminally with identity theft and related crimes.
Humberto Naba leaned wearily against the fence and wiped his eye as he gazed into the Cattle Congress grounds, oblivious to the speakers leading a vigil at the NCC gates.
"I'm thinking of the people who were in here," he said in Spanish. "They treat them like terrorists. We're not terrorists. We're immigrants fighting to put food on the table."
The emotions of the past week flooded out of Naba. Even as he continued in Spanish, he looked into grounds again as he spoke and raised his voice to address a nearby agent taking pictures of the crowd.
As other protesters looked on silently, he asked whoever would listen if they had children. He pleaded with them to think of the children and the mothers he had seen crying inside of St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Postville, where many Hispanics have taken refuge after the raid.
He told them he and other immigrants don't want to take the country away from Americans, they simply want to improve their lives --- even if they must work 20 hours a day.
"You also have kids. You want the best for your kids, too. I know it," he said.
A group of about 25 traveled from Minnesota for the march, and brought a truckload of supplies for those affected by the raid.
Adriana Sanchez said she took part in a protest last week in a heavily Latino neighborhood in Minneapolis, where she lives. She made the trip, she said, because she belongs to the same working class as those arrested last week.
"We need to learn from Iowa, so it doesn't happen again elsewhere," she said.
Enrique Hernandez and group of men walked a large banner that announced they played for a Marshalltown soccer league. Last week's raid hit home, he said, especially because a December 2006 raid on a Swift meatpacking plant --- where Hernandez works --- is still fresh in his mind.
"There's still a lot of hurt. Even though they're not our blood relation, it still hurts," he said.
Mary Cushing of Waterloo said she marched to support her Hispanic friends and neighbors. Even though they weren't directly affected by the raid, she said the community remains shaken.
Cushing, a teacher with Cedar Valley Catholic Schools, said she is upset no one in Waterloo demanded answers when, for more than a week, federal officials set up what would be a detention facility.
"I'm angry that that can happen in Waterloo, and that we didn't talk about it; that we didn't know what was happening," she said.
Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad at (319) 291-1580 or jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.
Others curled their fingers around the chain-link fence, faced a group of federal agents staring stoically through the barrier, and held up signs.
More than 400 people from across Iowa and neighboring states had just marched nearly three miles along River Road Sunday.
They started at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, where clergy, union workers and activists denounced last week's immigration raid in Postville.
On May 12, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained 389 workers at Agriprocessors in the largest single raid in U.S. history. A majority have been charged criminally with identity theft and related crimes.
Humberto Naba leaned wearily against the fence and wiped his eye as he gazed into the Cattle Congress grounds, oblivious to the speakers leading a vigil at the NCC gates.
"I'm thinking of the people who were in here," he said in Spanish. "They treat them like terrorists. We're not terrorists. We're immigrants fighting to put food on the table."
The emotions of the past week flooded out of Naba. Even as he continued in Spanish, he looked into grounds again as he spoke and raised his voice to address a nearby agent taking pictures of the crowd.
As other protesters looked on silently, he asked whoever would listen if they had children. He pleaded with them to think of the children and the mothers he had seen crying inside of St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Postville, where many Hispanics have taken refuge after the raid.
He told them he and other immigrants don't want to take the country away from Americans, they simply want to improve their lives --- even if they must work 20 hours a day.
"You also have kids. You want the best for your kids, too. I know it," he said.
A group of about 25 traveled from Minnesota for the march, and brought a truckload of supplies for those affected by the raid.
Adriana Sanchez said she took part in a protest last week in a heavily Latino neighborhood in Minneapolis, where she lives. She made the trip, she said, because she belongs to the same working class as those arrested last week.
"We need to learn from Iowa, so it doesn't happen again elsewhere," she said.
Enrique Hernandez and group of men walked a large banner that announced they played for a Marshalltown soccer league. Last week's raid hit home, he said, especially because a December 2006 raid on a Swift meatpacking plant --- where Hernandez works --- is still fresh in his mind.
"There's still a lot of hurt. Even though they're not our blood relation, it still hurts," he said.
Mary Cushing of Waterloo said she marched to support her Hispanic friends and neighbors. Even though they weren't directly affected by the raid, she said the community remains shaken.
Cushing, a teacher with Cedar Valley Catholic Schools, said she is upset no one in Waterloo demanded answers when, for more than a week, federal officials set up what would be a detention facility.
"I'm angry that that can happen in Waterloo, and that we didn't talk about it; that we didn't know what was happening," she said.
Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad at (319) 291-1580 or jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.
 |
More Stories from News » Top Story
missy b wrote on May 19, 2008 12:40 PM:
" Once again, have you people lost your minds? We let our government take away simple rights from US citizens (where we can or cannot smoke) and yet you feel it is a terrible thing when we allow criminals to live and work in our communities. The people who stole identities have broken laws. There is not one innocent person that has been charged. "
jjmom9497 wrote on May 19, 2008 12:44 PM:
" The thing of it is, and I hate to be the one to say it, but it's going to keep happening. Get used to it. "
unionlabel wrote on May 19, 2008 12:46 PM:
" I wish these foreigners would march all the way to "south of the border," where they came from.
Felons, illegal immigrants...unskilled & uneducated are not welcome here. Time for ICE to start arresting any foreigners who are protesting here.
They need to wait in line for citizenship like everyone else.
Postville use to be a nice town,...thanks to Agriprocessors & illegal aliens its turned into an eyesore. The American Taxpayer is the victim here. "
Felons, illegal immigrants...unskilled & uneducated are not welcome here. Time for ICE to start arresting any foreigners who are protesting here.
They need to wait in line for citizenship like everyone else.
Postville use to be a nice town,...thanks to Agriprocessors & illegal aliens its turned into an eyesore. The American Taxpayer is the victim here. "
myk5873 wrote on May 19, 2008 1:23 PM:
" I guess I must have missed something here. I don't understand how the federal officials and the U.S Government are the bad guys in this matter. Those arrested are in this country ILLEGALLY. Some are charged with additional crimes including "Identity Theft". What about those legal U.S Citizens whose lives have been turned upside down due to their identity being stolen by these law breakers? I say good work to those who organized this. Keep it up!!
"
"
cfreader wrote on May 19, 2008 1:43 PM:
" Ms Cushing is upset that the public didn't know about the raid beforehand??? Are you serious? I guess maybe the police should let parole violators and people with arrest warrants know before they go in to arrest them, you know, give them a little warning first. Give me a break!!! In my line of work, I see identity theft all the time and the effect it has on the person whose identity was stolen. It is a nightmare for innocent people, they can't buy a car, home, rent apartments, or even can affect their potential employment. All this is caused by someone who is skirting the system and coming to the country illegally. If you're here legally, paying taxes and following the laws, GREAT. If you're here illegally, get out, you've already cost innocent people enough money. "
unionlabel wrote on May 19, 2008 2:24 PM:
" Here we go again...another WCF article sympathetic to the illegal aliens.
The more these foreigners protest and wave their Mexican flag, the quicker the backlash begins. I applaud ICE for enforcing the law & don't appreciate the illegals tactics of approaching the fence at NCC. Its Taser Time! "
The more these foreigners protest and wave their Mexican flag, the quicker the backlash begins. I applaud ICE for enforcing the law & don't appreciate the illegals tactics of approaching the fence at NCC. Its Taser Time! "
taxpayer wrote on May 19, 2008 2:52 PM:
" Isn't it funny how it is mainly catholics that are upset that these lawbreakers are being sent home. Guess there will be a few less to make up the money from the sex related offenses. Raids are a good thing "
jcbr wrote on May 19, 2008 3:00 PM:
" ice did their job / now to deport the other 12 plus million / protest to your own home goverment / see if theyll give u a free ride / ice should have a bigger and longer raid / i would bet easily 5000 in waterloo alone illegally / why werent these protestors checked for id did they have a protest permit ? these places that hire illegals the American public should boycott the products and services they produce / with fake id s how many voted in the different elections ? rumors has it obama will legalize the illegals by exceative order of the president / this whole imagration thing reaks of organized crime illegal ss numbers and id illegal car restrations milkin wellfare corrupt union activity rackateering in the plants child labor "
LooGirl wrote on May 19, 2008 3:01 PM:
" I think the picture of the kid gives the wrong impression. He probably has no idea what is going on. Why hasn't the other side been told? Because nobody wants to talk about it? I'm glad I cancelled my subscription to the courier. Someone needs to stand up for the middle class americans who are legal and work hard too. "
comment wrote on May 19, 2008 3:03 PM:
" the scripture clearly states, "So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens..." "
Out-of-towner wrote on May 19, 2008 3:06 PM:
" I hate to sound like a broken record but...I have posted a couple of warnings to the people of Iowa about what WILL happen. As a former Iowan and a current resident of Arkansas, I have witnessed first hand what WILL happen to you. Rogers, AR has been taken over by the illegal Mexicans (most of whom work for TYSON). It is a MESS. They trash out everthing, increase crime with gangs and drugs, are disrespectful, suck the schools and food banks dry PLUS send most of their Gringo Dollars south of the border. RECLAMATION is HERE and coming to many Iowa towns soon. Don't say I didn't warn you. "
jcbr wrote on May 19, 2008 3:10 PM:
" these protesters should be told to deband leave then arrest them if they dont heed the warning / taser or rubber bullet time / the charges illegal in interfering with a offical investgation / remember the alamo "
r u serious wrote on May 19, 2008 5:28 PM:
" come on people, put yourselves in their shoes. imagine not being able to feed your family, putting your kids to bed hungry and not being able to get simple immunizations to protect them from diseases to cost only a few dollars. it's not like they are stealing your jobs, i don't see many people in line to work at places such as sorting garbage, taking hides from rotten cattle, and i don't beleive any american or for that matter anyone, no matter their race has been turned away from tyson. i'am ashamed of what has happened here, they are people to.... love your brothers and sisters we are all god's children. "
lnboose wrote on May 19, 2008 5:39 PM:
" WHAT ABOUT THE COMPANY WHO HIRED THE ILLEGAL WORKERS? YOU KNOW WHAT, THEY WON'T COME HERE/BE HERE IF THEY DIDN'T HAVE JOBS WAITING FOR THEM. AS LONG AS COMPANIES KEEP HIRING ILLEGALS THEY WILL CONTINUE TO COME. I PERSONALLY DON'T CARE. I THINK EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO COME HERE SHOULD BE ABLE TO. I'M A SECOND GENERATION AMERICAN. WHAT ARE YOU? "
Maggie - Sumner wrote on May 19, 2008 7:38 PM:
" The ICE did their job and it is about time. What part of this do you not understand? These people came into this country illegally -- they are criminals. I have nothing against immigration -- provide it is done legally. I am a third generation American. My ancestors came into this country legally -- I can trace them back to the records of Ellis Island. Come into this country legally, learn our language, pay taxes and do not become a burden on society. I have seen the television programs that show how these illegals get free medical care -- we have Americans who work in this country and pay taxes who do not have insurance and get nothing free. Get real -- go back home if -- we don't need you here. "
Reader54 wrote on May 19, 2008 8:24 PM:
" I would not be surpirsed if the Cedar Valley Catholic Schools "encouraged" Ms. Cushing's position & comments? "
cyberposter wrote on May 19, 2008 9:13 PM:
" Just as people in the US fought for Independence from England, Mexicans started their war for independence from Spain in 1810 and achieved it in 1821. After independence, the formerly Spanish territories were under Mexican control. Mexico forbid Anglo immigration. Whites consistently broke Mexican law when they illegally invaded California and the Southwest. In Texas, the Mexican government had given permission for some whites to emigrate. But thousands more Anglo immigrants, or criminals, arrived illegally. At that time, the Mexican government had given Stephen Austin permission to live there along with a few hundred other Whites with the condition that they would become Mexican citizens, they would speak Spanish, and they would pledge allegiance to the Mexican government. But white colonists began to enter the territory illegally and brought their slaves with them. Within a decade, whites outnumbered the Hispanic inhabitants. Mexicans are mostly an Indigenous population, whose ancestors have been in the American continent for thousands of years. "
cyberposter wrote on May 19, 2008 9:16 PM:
" llegal immigrants are tax payers. The IRS deducts payroll and SS taxes from their paychecks. Immigrant Households and Businesses Generate Billions: In 2005, the latest figures available, immigrant households and businesses paid approximately $300 billion in federal, state, and local taxes: $165 billion in federal income taxes, $85 billion in state and local income taxes, and $50 billion in business taxes.Morever, despite the fact that illegal immigrants have SS/Medicare taxes taken out from their payechecks, they're not eligible to participate in this program. Since the 1980s the Social Security Administration states the illegal immigrants have contributed about 350 billion to the SS Fund. The majority of immigrants come here in their younger years, and they're the ones who are keeping the SS program solvent. The SSA reports these immigrants contribute about 9billion a year to the fund. With 80 million baby boomers retiring in the next 20 years, these immigrants are the ones who have and will continue to pay for those retiring. "
cyberposter wrote on May 19, 2008 9:34 PM:
" Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans, according to all the researches who have investigated this topic, including a study released by a the Immigration Policy Center, based in Washington D.C.
Even as the undocumented population has doubled to 12 million since 1994, the violent crime rate in the United States has declined 34.2 percent and the property crime rate has fallen 26.4 percent," according to the report.
That crime drop was true even in cities with large immigrant populations such as Los Angeles or Miami, the report said.
According to the study, 3.5 percent of American-born men aged 18 to 39 were incarcerated in jails or prisons in 2000, compared to 0.7 percent of foreign-born men , five times higher.
The fact is the immigrants, especially illegal immigrants are more often the victims of crimes fueled by anti-immigrant nativists. "
Even as the undocumented population has doubled to 12 million since 1994, the violent crime rate in the United States has declined 34.2 percent and the property crime rate has fallen 26.4 percent," according to the report.
That crime drop was true even in cities with large immigrant populations such as Los Angeles or Miami, the report said.
According to the study, 3.5 percent of American-born men aged 18 to 39 were incarcerated in jails or prisons in 2000, compared to 0.7 percent of foreign-born men , five times higher.
The fact is the immigrants, especially illegal immigrants are more often the victims of crimes fueled by anti-immigrant nativists. "
WORKINGGUY wrote on May 19, 2008 9:50 PM:
" It's great to be sympathetic...except why don't you give illegals YOUR job. After all you feel sorry for them...YOU DO WITHOUT..
Don't ask your fellow citizens to pay for your sympathy...OPEN YOUR WALLET..
give up your job....let your children do without....give up your kids scholarship...What you simply do NOT understand is their is not enough to go around..the country can't keep supporting people from elsewhere..nor should YOU expect the rest of us to..now write out that ten thousand dollar sympathy check...or shut UP "
Don't ask your fellow citizens to pay for your sympathy...OPEN YOUR WALLET..
give up your job....let your children do without....give up your kids scholarship...What you simply do NOT understand is their is not enough to go around..the country can't keep supporting people from elsewhere..nor should YOU expect the rest of us to..now write out that ten thousand dollar sympathy check...or shut UP "
BlueStar wrote on May 19, 2008 10:31 PM:
" I dont even know where to begin, this is SO irritating! Im so happy they are doing the raid, they SHOULD be doing it more often. Take a look at small town iowa, and other states. The mexicans are taking over. As I have stated in previous articles; it disrupts the school system (having to hire more educators to teach the children ENGLISH, and then having the the children interpret for their parents). Did you watch the video with the article, the woman couldnt even speak in ENGLISH! You watch, before you know it English will be the second language. Also; they take advantage of the system, taking money basically handed to them, taking identies, having a dozen children per family, getting their entire family into one small house. Im originally from a small town in north-central iowa, mexicans come by the dozens and create their own community within the town. I thought it was bad in small town iowa until work took me to Austin, MN for a year- I couldn't believe the amount of hispanics there! (where there is a meat packing plant, they will come) Hormel in Austin, MN should be the next place on the list, funny thing is, Hormel will get 'warned' they are coming and give the days off to the illegals. Its a never-ending battle. Come here Legally, learn the language or-- I have an idea-- GO BACK TO MEXICO, plain and simple!!! "
jcbr wrote on May 20, 2008 12:27 AM:
" why didnt ice arrest these protesters also / u can bet they were some illegals too / out-of-towner from ark has hit the nail on the head / these illegals are the scrum of other countries unwanted / majority are thieves liers drunks druggies / the plants hire these illegals so they can cheat on ss taxes to the us gov ( collect from all pay only half to gov )double set of books / Americans demand the punishment of the plants and the illegal workers / American citzens BOYCOTT THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OF THE PLANTS WHO ABUSE AND HIRE ILLEGALS / these illegal scrum are destroying America fincely on the wellfare free ride free housing free food stamps free medical keep wages unfair to all except the employer / bust up neighborhoods start the drug gangs / dont be surprized within 10 years America will be in civil war again to claim back neighborhoods to decent people / take heed "
Think wrote on May 20, 2008 8:41 AM:
" jcbr that civil war is closer than 10 years. If DC don't fix it, the people are. Not only this mess but a lot of things. I've talked to hundered of Vets ready to go. This time for a reason. DC has no idea of the anger out here. "
motormaker wrote on May 20, 2008 9:10 AM:
" Hey Comment,
It also states "Render unto Caesar taht which is Caesar's". "
It also states "Render unto Caesar taht which is Caesar's". "
Steady wrote on May 20, 2008 9:31 AM:
" cyberposter, nice copy and pasting job, but the side of the pro-illegal immigration site you did that from doesn't look at the deficit.
First I don't believe those are 2005 yearly figures but they are cumulitive figures. The bigger point is that it is undisputed that the estimated net fiscal drain of each illegal household imposes is $2,736 a year on the federal treasury or a total federal deficit of $10.4 billion a year.
It always looks better when you look at what they contribute but do not take into account what they take. There is no question that illegal immigrants create an overall federal deficit, it is just a matter whether one considers 10 billion a year to be a large sum or not. I just believe this figure (even though negative for pro-illegals) is not trivial. "
First I don't believe those are 2005 yearly figures but they are cumulitive figures. The bigger point is that it is undisputed that the estimated net fiscal drain of each illegal household imposes is $2,736 a year on the federal treasury or a total federal deficit of $10.4 billion a year.
It always looks better when you look at what they contribute but do not take into account what they take. There is no question that illegal immigrants create an overall federal deficit, it is just a matter whether one considers 10 billion a year to be a large sum or not. I just believe this figure (even though negative for pro-illegals) is not trivial. "
BubbaG wrote on May 20, 2008 4:02 PM:
" I have an idea Courier, why don't you do some actual investigative reporting and dig up stuff on Agriprocessor instead of pandering to the illegal immigrants. ICE was doing their job get over it, this is a dead story! "
50674 wrote on May 20, 2008 4:50 PM:
" jcbr ...I suppose next all blue-eyed people (assuming you may be brown-eyed) are sexual preditors. You are probably living with a welfare mother while you fraudulently collect SS disability. "
gmaro wrote on May 20, 2008 10:49 PM:
" cyperposter-check this out from http://www.usillegalaliens.com/impacts_of_illegal_immigration_american_infrastructure.html
A minimum of 12 million, and perhaps as many as 20 million, Hispanics are in our country illegally. Court decisions and the selective enforcement of our laws have allowed many to remain here and receive the benefits of U.S. citizens. These include cash payments, food stamps, free medical care and all other tax-supported public services. The crime rate among undocumented Mexican immigrants is three to four times the national average. The cost of schooling, health care, welfare, Social Security and prisons - plus the additional pressure on land, water, and power resources - greatly exceeds the taxes undocumented immigrants pay
"
A minimum of 12 million, and perhaps as many as 20 million, Hispanics are in our country illegally. Court decisions and the selective enforcement of our laws have allowed many to remain here and receive the benefits of U.S. citizens. These include cash payments, food stamps, free medical care and all other tax-supported public services. The crime rate among undocumented Mexican immigrants is three to four times the national average. The cost of schooling, health care, welfare, Social Security and prisons - plus the additional pressure on land, water, and power resources - greatly exceeds the taxes undocumented immigrants pay
"
Steady wrote on May 22, 2008 8:57 AM:
" BubbaG, you posted "I have an idea Courier, why don't you do some actual investigative reporting and dig up stuff on Agriprocessor instead of pandering to the illegal immigrants."
I am afraid it will only get worse. I happen to know that the Gazette or Register sent a letter to each illegal in jail that was arrested in this raid. I'm sure they are fishing for any good stories or hardships they can capatilize on. "
I am afraid it will only get worse. I happen to know that the Gazette or Register sent a letter to each illegal in jail that was arrested in this raid. I'm sure they are fishing for any good stories or hardships they can capatilize on. "
nyj12 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:16 AM:
" To clarify most of the workers rounded up were from Guatemala, not Mexico. There are a few points that need to be addressed as Agriprocessors is not innocent in this situation.
1) Agriprocessors actively recruited individuals from outside the US for jobs that pay below minimum wage. If you want to curtail illegal immigration this type of activity must end.
2) Agriprocessors allegedly aided immigrant workers to obtain false documents. This is being investigated. If true - who is the bad guy?
3) How many legal residents and US citizens are ready and willing to take a job on the processing line of a meat processing plant for below minimum wage? If you are send your information to Hormel, Purdue, Tyson and Agriprocessors. "
1) Agriprocessors actively recruited individuals from outside the US for jobs that pay below minimum wage. If you want to curtail illegal immigration this type of activity must end.
2) Agriprocessors allegedly aided immigrant workers to obtain false documents. This is being investigated. If true - who is the bad guy?
3) How many legal residents and US citizens are ready and willing to take a job on the processing line of a meat processing plant for below minimum wage? If you are send your information to Hormel, Purdue, Tyson and Agriprocessors. "
Due to the amount of spam and negative comments received, the Courier implement a registered-user system for participation in the comment portion of our site. In doing so, the Courier reserves the right to ban any user(s) at any time without notice if we feel they are not following the terms of agreement.
DISCLAIMER: The Courier provides our story commenting feature in order to solicit feedback, debate and discussion on topics of local interest. Please keep in mind that civility is a necessary component of productive conversation. All blatantly inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate comments (i.e. vulgarity, marketing, etc.) are subject to rejection and/or removal. Comments will appear if and when they are approved. For a more in-depth explanation of our policy, please see our Rules of the Road. Thanks for reading, and thanks for participating.
~ADVERTISEMENT~
NEWS |
SPORTS |
COMMUNITY |
BUSINESS |
ENTERTAINMENT |
FEATURES |
OPINIONS |
OBITUARIES |
CLASSIFIEDS |
PRIVACY POLICY |
CONTACT US |
CARRIER PAGES
|
Steady wrote on May 19, 2008 12:16 PM: