Immigration Raids in 6 States May Be Largest Ever

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Wednesday the investigation uncovered a ``disturbing front'' in the war against illegal immigration, in which illegal immigrants are using the identities of U.S. citizens to obtain jobs.

``Violations of our immigration laws and privacy rights often go hand in hand,'' he said. ``Enforcement actions like this one protect the privacy rights of innocent Americans while striking a blow against illegal immigration.''

The raids at Swift & Co. plants across the country resulted in 1,282 arrests, including 1,217 on immigration charges and 65 on criminal charges such as identity theft. Chertoff said the investigation is continuing into several groups that may have sold identity documents to illegal immigrants.

The arrested workers were from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Peru, Laos, Sudan, Ethiopia and other countries.

During a raid Tuesday at the Swift plant in Greeley, Colo., a frustrated Tony Garcia watched as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents swarmed inside to arrest illegal immigrants. ``We need help, we need answers,'' he said, questioning who would take care of the children whose parents were arrested.

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