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A federal prosecutor has provided more information regarding an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid that took place last week at Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato. Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III announced on Tuesday (September 9) that the raid resulted in the arrest of five individuals who are charged with re-entering the United States after deportation. The individuals charged include Luis Fernando Morales-Jom, Gregorio Baldemar Ramirez-Perez, Argentina Juarez-Lopez, Alex Ben Chipin, all from Guatemala, and Francisco Salvador-Mora from Mexico.
In total, 57 workers were detained during the operation, with 52 of them being deported for residing in the U.S. illegally. Sarcone stated that these individuals waived their appearance before a judge and are being sent back to their countries of origin. He emphasized that none of the detained workers have been accused of violent crimes.
The raid, which involved about 50 federal and local officers, was described by ICE as a "court-authorized enforcement action." The operation has sparked criticism from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other officials due to the impact on families, leaving many separated and unable to contact loved ones for days.
Sarcone warned other businesses in the Northern District of New York against employing unauthorized workers, stating, "There will be consequences. The bad old days of turning a blind eye are over." He also mentioned that authorities are investigating the owners of the company involved in the raid.
The acting U.S. attorney highlighted the importance of enforcing immigration laws to protect border security and community safety, while also pointing to high unemployment rates in upstate New York as a reason for ensuring jobs are available to American citizens.