Immigration Crackdown: 1,200 Undocumented Workers Detained Across U.S.

We look at the ongoing struggle around immigration rights in this country. On Wednesday evening, immigration authorities rounded up almost 1,200 undocumented immigrants in 26 states in what law enforcement officials say was the culmination of a year-long criminal investigation. The authorities raided the offices and plants of the company IFCO Systems North America which is based in Houston, Texas and makes wooden pallets and crates. Among those arrested were seven current and former managers who were charged with conspiracy to transport, harbor and encourage illegal immigrants to reside in the United States for commercial and financial gain. The managers face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each undocumented worker. Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff made the announcement of the arrests yesterday morning.

* Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security speaking April 20, 2006.

The arrests come on the heels of the massive rallies in support of immigration rights that have taken place in the last month. The rallies are a response to proposed federal legislation that would turn millions of undocumented immigrants into criminals and would fence off sections of the U.S border with Mexico. In Chicago, which held some of the earliest protests, it is estimated that up to 60 people were arrested last night in the raids and were held at the Broadview Detention Facility on the city's Southwest Side.

* Jorge Mujica, one of the lead organizers for the March 10 protest in Chicago that drew up to 300,000 people. A former journalist and union organizer, Mujica has worked for La Raza, Univision, and Telemundo, and has been involved in union organizing in both the US and in Mexico.

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