WCNC is reporting that 44 suspected illegal immigrants were arrested after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a Charlotte business. All 39 U.S. locations of IFCO Systems were raided by customs agents in a nationwide sting today.I.C.E agents arrested all 44 workers for allegedly being in this country illegally. Agents have not said how long IFCO had been under investigation or how many arrests were made nationwide.
From WCNC:"It doesn’t affect just one individual it affects whole families," said Angeles Ortega-Moore, the head of the Latin American Coalition. "When something like this happens it really uproots individuals. Family (members) left for work and thought they would be back at 5 or 6pm and they are not coming home," Ortega-Moore said. "Actions like this bring up the need for immigration reform because here is one company whose entire work force is dependant on immigrants and needs that workforce," Ortega-Moore said.
IFCO Systems manages a wooden pallet recycling system in the United States, but has other container businesses world-wide according to the company’s website. In 2004 the company website said IFCO earned more than $459 million in revenue.