Nearly 300 arrested in immigration raids at poultry plants

Wednesday April 16, 5:08 pm ET
By Anabelle Garay, Associated Press Writer

Nearly 300 arrested in immigration raids at poultry plants in 5 states; more arrests elsewhere

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Nearly 300 people were arrested Wednesday in immigration and identity theft raids at Pilgrim's Pride poultry plants in five states.

More than 100 people were arrested on immigration violations in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Moorefield, W.Va., with 45 arrests in Mount Pleasant, Texas, on charges of false use of Social Security numbers.

More than 25 people face administrative charges of immigration violations in Live Oak, Fla. They will also face identity theft or document fraud charges. More than 20 were arrested in Batesville, Ark., on federal warrants for alleged document fraud or identity theft.

"We knew in advance and cooperated fully," said Ray Atkinson, a spokesman for the Pittsburg, Texas, company.

Pilgrim's Pride faces no charges, he said.

The raids were part of a long-term investigation, officials said. Plants were raided in Mount Pleasant, Texas, Batesville, Ark., Live Oak, Fla., Chattanooga, Tenn. and Moorefield, W.Va., authorities said