Postville Project Documents
This is a collection of documents from the Postville Project collection.
The Postville Project is an initiative to preserve and exhibit the media and stories surrounding the 2008 immigration raid and the memories of the Postville, Iowa community before, during, and after that event. The collections in this project include news articles, photographs, personal papers, federal court documents, and much more. This is a collaborative effort between the University of Northern Iowa Rod Library and the Luther College Archives.
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Letter to the Editor [Rev. Michael S. Mulberry ]
Michael S. Mulberry
Opinion letter from a religious leader from north central Illinois reflecting on the response of the people of Postville to the Agriprocessors raid he saw on a visit. he expresses gratitude on how they supported those impacted by the raid while the town is going through the aftershocks of the raid.
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Postville High School 2013 commencement program
Postville High School
The program for the 2013 Postville High School commencement ceremony.
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Sisters launch billboard campaign for immigration reform
Barb Arland-Fye
Catholic News Service article from Dec. 27, 2011: In anticipation of the Iowa caucuses Jan. 3, 10 communities of women religious in Iowa and nearby states bought billboards throughout Iowa to deliver a call for comprehensive immigration reform.
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Carne Viva In Postville: Stories Of Madres And Monarchs
Jennifer Cooley and Karen Mitchell
Carne viva are two words in Spanish that together can be translated various ways. Taken literally, they refer to live flesh, like an open wound. In this way they can allude to the slow process of recovery after a traumatic event. The words draw up images of enduring pain. In addition, they can be read to refer to fresh meat and in the context of human relations, to the image of a new conquest. They can also draw our thoughts to the context of a slaughterhouse, where working conditions involve constant contact with carcasses and blood, and the value of human life is not superior to the lives of the animals processed on the line; both cattle and humans are vehicles for profit. Finally, the words refer to human beings with vibrant lives whose stories will be told as this performance unfolds.
On May 12, 2008, approximately 900 police agents (federal, state and local authorities, helicopter pilots, and others) were on the ground in Postville, Iowa to stage what was at the time the largest workplace immigration raid in U.S. history. Given that the total population of Postville was just over 2,000, there was nearly one agent for every two Postville residents. By the end of the day, 389 workers had been detained at the Agriprocessors kosher meatpacking plant. Most detainees were herded into buses and transported to the National Cattle Congress in Waterloo, where they were caged in the very stalls that were typically reserved for cattle and hogs, and then “fast-tracked” in legal proceedings that, like the raid itself, were unique to U.S. history. Such legal proceedings have since been declared unconstitutional. Some of the detained workers, primarily women, were released by the evening of May 12. They were tagged with GPS tracking devices, given a 5-mile radius as a limit to their mobility, and told that they could not work and could not leave the delimited area, but were “free” to care for their children.
The events represented in Carne viva occur over the course of 5 months, from May 12, 2008 to Oct. 12, 2008. These months correspond to the sentences laid out for the majority of detained workers at Agriprocessors. These were traumatic days both in Postville and in Guatemala, in villages dotted across the Western Highlands that sent workers to the plant. The detained spouses and significant others of many Guatemalan women in Postville were the process of being deported, but the women often had no idea in what jail or even in what state prisoners were housed. During those five months family members in Guatemala would have no source of income from remittances and little or no word about the status of their loved ones and their possible return.
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Poster for Camayd-Freixas presentation
Announces presentations by Dr. Erik Camayd-Freixas, who served as an interpreter for those detained in the immigration raid at the Agriprocessors plant in Postville, Iowa.
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Story of Our Lives performance schedule in Spanish and English
The schedule of performances of La Historia de nuestras vidas given in 2009 and 2010.
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Guatemalan workers in Iowa reunite with family members they left behind
Carol Hoverman
Catholic News Service article from Dec. 29, 2010: More than two dozen Guatemalans were reunited in December with their family members, eight former Agriprocessors workers whom they had not seen in years.
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Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2010, Washington, DC, March 19-22, 2010
Mary McCauley
Mary McCauley shares the story of the Postville raid and the aftermath with at the Ecumenical Advocay Days in 2010 in Washington, D.C and how the local Catholic church responded.
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The Postville story, Just Faith participants, Resurrection Parish, Dubuque, Iowa, February 20, 2010
Mary McCauley
Mary McCauley shares the experience of the Postville raid and the aftermath at the Just Faith meeting in Dubuque, Iowa February 20, 2010.
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The Postville Story, Sisters of St. Francis, Mt. St. Francis, Dubuque, Iowa, January 14, 2010
Mary McCauley
Mary McCauley recounts the events of the Postville raid and the aftermath and how the local Catholic Church responded. She also encourages other churches to speak out on immigration reform.
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Community Potluck and Town Hall Meeting flyer
A poster announcing a conversation about comprehensive and humane immigration reform held November 22, 2009 in Decorah, Iowa.
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Decorah area faith coalition prayer vigil poster
A poster announcing a vigil and prayer walk held on February 22, 2009 in solidarity with those affected by the Postville immigration raid and calling for immigration reform.
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Flores-Figueroa v. United States
The opinion of the United States Supreme Court in the case of Ignacio Carlos Flores-Figueroa, whose lawyers argued that he didn't know the Social Security number and alien registration card number were assigned to other people.
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Information about the Decorah performance of La Historia de nuestras vidas : the story of our lives
An announcement of the June 11, 2009 performance of La Historia de nuestras vidas : the story of our lives at the Good Shephard Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa as well as a preview of a play created by women impacted by the Postville raid.
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Interfaith immigration reform prayer walk and vigil
A program from the interfaith immigration reform prayer walk and vigil held in Decorah, Iowa on February 22, 2009.
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Interfaith Immigration Reform Prayer Walk list of chants
A flyer of the chants used at the interfaith immigration reform walk on February 22, 2009.
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Interfaith Immigration Vigil program readings
Selected Biblical readings for the interfaith immigration vigil held February 22, 2009.
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One year anniversary vigil flyer from St. Bridget's Catholic Church front
Announces the prayer vigil and remembrance ceremony on the one-year anniversary of the Agriprocessors immigration raid.
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Oral argument in Flores-Figueroa v. United States
The transcript of the oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court of the case of a Mexican citizen working in East Moline, Illinois who was convicted of identity theft. The grounds for the appeal were that the petitioner did not know that the social security and alien registration numbers he used were assigned to other people.
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Postville raid information
Brief explanation of the Postville raid, what happened after, and what can be done to assist those impacted.
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Prayer service on the Anniversary of the Postville raid program
Program of the prayer service at Saint Bridget's Catholic Church on the anniversary of the Postville raid, May 12, 2009.
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Story of Our Lives image 1
A photograph of the seven men who wrote the play. This image was used on the cover of the play.
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Story of Our Lives image 2
A color photograph of the seven authors of the play La Historia de neustras vidas : the story of our lives.
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Story of Our Lives image 3
A color photograph of the seven men who wrote the play La Historia de nuestras vidas : the story of our lives, along with a woman who organized the presentation in Madison, Wisconsin on December 19, 2009.
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Complaint letter to U.S. Attorney General
James A. Benzoni
A letter to Eric Holder listing perceived ethical violations of the Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa during and after the immigration raid at the Agriprocessor plant in Postville, Iowa.
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Story of Our Lives Kate Blair's directors notes
Kate Blair
The stage directions for la Historia de nuestras vidas : the story of our lives, written by the director Kate Blair.
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Camayd-Freixas brief to Senate Judiciary Committee
Erik Camayd-Freixas
Dr. Erik Camayd-Freixas addresses the occurrence of ethical violations during the Postville raid. Also included is a letter from Congresswoman Zoe Logren to Michael Mukasey and Michael Chertoff on the treatment of the detainees from the Postville raid, including affivavits from Marvin Danilo Perez-Gomez and Mardoqueo Valle-Callejas on their treatment during the raid, with translation by Erik Camayd-Freixas.
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Camayd-Freixas corrections to transcript
Erik Camayd-Freixas
Corrections to the transcript of his statement on the Postville raid to a Congressional subcommittee in 2009.
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Oral statement of Camayd-Freixas
Erik Camayd-Freixas
The oral and written statements of Dr. Erik Camayd-Freixas, who served as a translator for those detained after the Postville raid. He appeared before a Congressional committee. Also included in the document is his personal account of what it was like to be an interpreter for the detainees.
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The Day Democracy Died: The Postville Raid and the Criminalization of Migrants
Erik Camayd-Freixas
Dr. Camayd-Freixas writes of his experience serving as a translator for those detained in the Postville raid, components that lead to the immigration situation in the United States, and areas for comprehensive immigration reform.
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Transcript of hearing before the Judiciary Subcommittee
Erik Camayd-Freixas
The statements of Erik Camayd-Freixas, David Leopold, Robert R. Rigg, and Lora Costner before the U.S.House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law concerning the Agriprocessors plant immigration raid in Postville, Iowa.
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CHIRLA press release
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles
A press release in both English and Spanish from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles calling for immigration reform on the first anniversary of the Postville raid.
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Migration: Major social, economic force in Americas for years to come
Ezra Fieser
Catholic News Service article from Feb. 4, 2009: To escape war and poverty, Latin Americans will continue to flock to neighboring countries and to the United States for work and security, making migration a dominant economic and social force in the Americas for years to come, migration experts said.
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A commentary about the dramatization La Historia de nuestras vidas (translated into English)
Juventino Lopez Pichia
An English translation of commentary by Juventino Lopez Pichia on the creation of the play La Historia de nuestras vidas : the story of our lives. He is one of the men that wrote and performed the play.
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Story of Our Lives Spanish commentary by Juventino Lopez Pichia
Juventino Lopez Pichia
A commentary on the creation of the play La Historia de nuestras vidas : the story of our lives written by one of the men that wrote and performed the play.
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Un comentario de la obra dramatisada La Historia de nuestras vidas de Juventino Lopez Pichia
Juventino Lopez Pichia
A commentary on the creation of the play La historia de nuestras vidas : the story of our lives written by one of the men that wrote and performed the play.
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Pedro's letter to Mrs. Obama
Pedro Arturo Lopez Vega
A letter written to Michelle Obama requesting her to ask for a three day visa for Consuelo Vega Nava by her son so she could attend his eighth grade graduation.
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Pedro's letter to President Obama
Pedro Arturo Lopez Vega
A letter written to Barack Obama requesting a three day visa for Consuelo Vega Nava by her son so she could attend his eighth grade graduation.
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La Historia de Nuestras Vidas theatre program
Onofre Macario Aguilar, Juventino Lopez Pichia, Luis Enrique Moncada Quiroz, Javier Lopez Sajche, Oscar Sis Tepaz, and Aaron Junech Vega
A work-in-progress presentation of an original play detailing personal accounts of U.S. immigration, the raid in Postville, and federal detention.
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Archdiocesan pastoral staff, Advent Day of Reflection, January 16, 2009
Mary McCauley
A reflection on hope and what gave the Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants hope through their experiences.
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Central College, Pella, Iowa, October 21, 2009
Mary McCauley
Mary McCauley recounts the experience of serving those impacted by the Postville raid and some of their experiences working at Agriprocessors. She also recounts some of the responses, positive and negative, from people around the United States on their efforts to provide aid to those impacted.
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Closing remarks, prayer and rally first anniversary of the raid, St. Bridget’s Church, Postville, Iowa, May 12, 2009
Mary McCauley
The closing that Mary McCauley gave at the prayer service marking the one-year anniversary of the Postville raid.
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Presentation at the Reform Immigration for America Immigration Summit, Gallaudet University, Washington DC, June 4, 2009
Mary McCauley
Mary McCauley recounts the experience of offering support to those impacted by the Postville raid on May 12, 2008 to a summit on immigration reform.
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Reflection given during prayer service on the occasion of the visit of Rigoberta Menchu to Postville, Iowa, November 8, 2008
Mary McCauley
A reflection on the Postville immigration raid given at a prayer service for the visit of Rigoberta Menchu on November 8, 2008.
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Response to receiving Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice, from Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, August 29, 2009
Mary McCauley
Mary McCauley briefly recounts the experience of helping those impacted by the Postville raid in accepting the Cristine Wilson medal.
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Response to recognition at Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition, April 26, 2009
Mary McCauley
An address given by Mary McCauley on her receiving an award from the Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition on April 26, 2009. She acknowledged all those impacted by the Postville raid and accepted it in their honor.
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Why should we care and be involved? Interfaith Alliance, Des Moines, Iowa, November 9, 2008
Mary McCauley
An address given by Mary McCauley about her experience providing support to those directly impacted by the Postville raid.
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Help given to immigrants affected by Iowa raid called faith in action
Joseph O'Brien
Catholic News Service article from May 18, 2009: After the first anniversary observance of the immigration raid in Postville May 12, Archbishop Jerome G. Hanus of Dubuque said he hoped the event would show the world that faith in Christ ended in action.
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Immigration reform next up on bishops' wish list for Congress
Nancy Frazier O'Brien
Catholic News Service article from Nov. 25, 2009: Over the years, hundreds of thousands of postcards have come from U.S. Catholics in organized efforts to influence members of Congress on issues ranging from partial-birth abortion to human cloning to health care reform.
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American dream still shines for women detained in Postville raid
Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service article from Apr. 27, 2009: When Marta Veronica Cumez Solovi was driven to the Agriprocessors meatpacking plant in Postville where she once worked, she said she had a sense of dread about going back there.
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Bishops discuss joys, challenges of shepherding rural dioceses
Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service article from May 6, 2009: Demographics may be the biggest challenge to bishops in rural-dominant dioceses.
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Clergy, religious offer perspectives on aftermath of Postville raid
Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service article from May 1, 2009: Reverberations from the immigration raid in Postville last May are still being felt in the town and throughout the Archdiocese of Dubuque, of which Postville is a part.
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Community media makes big difference in small town
Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service article from Apr. 29, 2009: If you want to see the impact of low-power media, look no further than radio station KPVL-FM in Postville.
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Priest came out of retirement to help meatpacking plant workers
Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service article from Apr. 29, 2009: Father Paul Ouderkirk has a nice house in northeastern Iowa where he was living in comfortable retirement, overseeing the banks of, as he calls it, "the mighty Missi-Sloppy."
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Town's economy is hit hard after immigration raid
Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service article from May 1, 2009: When Father Paul Ouderkirk assumed the pastorate of St. Bridget Parish in Postville in 2000, he estimated the town's population at 2,000. Within a year, he said, it had grown to 2,500.
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U.S. citizenship on horizon for former meatpacking plant worker
Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service article from Apr. 30, 2009: Elmer Herrera was detained, but not detained in the same way other immigrant residents of Postville were a year ago.
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Detention Deficit Disorder
Liz Rog
An autobiographical narrative of a woman' trip with an immigrant to visit another immigrant in jail, both of whom had been arrested on immigration charges.
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Gabriela's Gift
Liz Rog
An autobiographical account of assistance given to an immigrant in danger of being evicted from an apartment in Postville, Iowa.
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Snow Shoveling
Liz Rog
Recounts how some immigrant men shoveled snow after a snowstorm in Decorah, Iowa.
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Testimony of Leah Rubashkin
Leah Rubashkin
The testimony of Leah Rubashkin concerning the Agriprocessors immigration raid in Postville, Iowa.
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Excerpt testimony of Sholom Rubashkin
Sholom Rubashkin
The testimony of Sholom Rubashkin concerning the Agriprocessors immigration raid in Postville, Iowa.
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Story of Our Lives letter from Alex Skitolsky
Alex Skitolsky
A letter written in response to an idea suggesting that the writing sessions for the play be recorded on videotape or cassette. Alex Skitolsky explains why he doesn't think that would be a good idea.
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Story of Our Lives written statement from co-director Alex Skitolsky
Alex Skitolsky
A commentary on the creation of the play La Historia de Nuestras Vidas: The Story of Our Lives written by the co-director of the play.
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La Historia de nuestras vidas Spanish script
Teatro Indocumentado
A play that recounts the experiences of seven of the people caught up in the Postville immigration raid in 2008.
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La Historia de Nuestras Vidas / The Story of Our Lives compilation
Teatro Indocumentado
A compilation of documents relating to the play La Historia de Nuestras Vidas : The Story of Our lives. The seven men who wrote the play are Javier Lopez Sajche, Aaron Junech Vega, Luis Enrique Moncada Quiroz, Onofre Macario Aguilar, Juventino Lopez Pichia, Oscar Mejia Santos, and Victor Sis Tepaz.
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La Historia de nuestras vidas (The Story of our lives) English script
Teatro Indocumentado
A play that recounts the experiences of seven of the people caught up in the Postville immigration raid in 2008.
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Story of Our Lives personal interviews
Teatro Indocumentado
The transcriptions of the stories that form the basis of the play La Historia de nuestras vidas ; the story of our lives. The stories cover their childhoods, their decisions to come to the United States, their experiences getting to Postville, what it was like to work at the Agriprocessors plant, and the raid and what happened to them after the raid.
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Story of Our Lives Spanish poster for Chicago performance
Teatro Indocumentado
A poster announcing the performance of La Historia de nuestras vidas on March 22, 2009 at the Luther Memorial Church in Chicago.
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Cardinal, others discuss faith-based forces aligning on immigration
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from Sept. 22, 2009: The next phase in the drive for comprehensive immigration reform is taking root in parish basements, church sanctuaries and Jewish summer camps.
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Court rulings, new policies seen as important changes for immigrants
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from May 6, 2009: The Supreme Court's unanimous decision May 4 that said the government was wrong to prosecute illegal immigrants for identity theft in certain types of cases was the latest of several rulings and policy announcements that will effectively roll back approaches on immigration initiated by the Bush administration.
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In the immigration spotlight: Detention, immigrants' citizen children
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from Mar. 27, 2009: A pair of reports released in March lay out some of the data behind efforts seeking changes in immigration policies, long before Congress gets around to considering another comprehensive immigration bill.
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Iowa, other raids rallying points in push for immigration changes
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from May 12, 2009: A year ago a dramatic workplace immigration raid turned the town of Postville, Iowa, on its head, with the arrest of 389 immigrant workers rippling through to most of the town's 2,300 residents, straining resources and ultimately leading to closed businesses around town.
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Report: Even before immigration reform, why not try these changes
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from Feb. 13, 2009: Whether a comprehensive immigration reform bill makes it to the front of Congress' agenda any time soon, there are plenty of things the three federal immigration-related agencies can do in the meantime to deal with some problems, according to a new study.
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Agricprocessors Inc. OSHA citations
Documents listing the citations stemming from two different inspections, including a document that is a reassessment of the penalties of the inspection done in August of 2008.
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Agriprocessors Inc. Chapter 11 bankruptcy 1-08-474772
The official form for Agriprocessors completed to file for bankruptcy on November 4, 2008 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the eastern district of New York.
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Agriprocessors Inc. criminal complaing
Documents relating to the child labor violations filed against Agriprocessors ranging in date from August 2008 to January 2009.
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Agriprocessors Inc. federal indictments
Documents relating to the federal charges against Agriprocessors of hiring noncitizens in the plant in Postville, Iowa, encouraging document fraud for gain, as well as other charges.
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Agriprocessors Inc. photos
Photographs of some of the living conditions of the Agriprocessors workers, along with other photographs documenting other aspects of the case against Agriprocessors.
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Detained workers location list
A list giving the names, Bureau of Prisons number, race, gender, a date, and the location of those arrested in the Postville immigration raid.
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Flores-Figueroa v. United States petition
A brief filed for Ignacio Flores-Figueroa in the appeal of a case of a Mexican citizen working in East Moline, Illinois who was convicted of identity theft. The grounds for the appeal were that the petitioner did not know that the social security and alien registration numbers he used were assigned to other people.
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Flores-Figueroa v. United States response to petition
A brief filed for the United States in the appeal of a case of a Mexican citizen working in East Moline, Illinois who was convicted of identity theft. The grounds for the appeal were that the petitioner did not know that the social security and alien registration numbers he used were assigned to other people.
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Hundreds of residents enjoy soup supper; Toy give-away during hometown of hope event
Reporting on the community soup dinner that served as the kick-off for the Hometown of Hope Campaign in the wake of the Agriprocessors raid.
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ICE application for search warrant
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement application for a search warrant for the Agriprocessors plant in Postville, Iowa, signed on may 9, 2008.
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ICE search warrant and affidavit for raid
The affidavit for the search warrant for the Agriprocessors plant in Postville, Iowa signed on May 9, 2008.
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Interfaith Prayer Service program
The program of an interfaith prayer service, march, and rally held in Postville, Iowa on July 27, 2008.
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Interfaith Service and March poster
A poster announcing an interfaith service and march in support of immigrant families and a call for immigration reform.. in Postville, Iowa on July 27, 2008.
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Interfaith Service and Walk schedule of events
The schedule of events for the interfaith service and walk held in Postville, Iowa on July 27, 2008.
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Managerial employees are arrested last week at Agriprocessors, Inc.
Reporting on the arrest of Juan Carlos Guerrero-Espinoza and Martin De La Rosa-Loera and the search for Hosam Amara, all accused of encouraging undocumented workers to work at the Agriprocessors plant and, in some cases, assisting them in obtaining false documents.
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Marchers walk for immigration reform during Sunday's rally
Reporting on the ecumenical service and protest march held in July 2008 in Postville, Iowa to call for immigration reform.
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More charges are filed against Agriprocessors
Reporting on further charges against Agriprocessors for nonpayment to livestock and poultry sellers. Also reporting that some Agriprocessors trucks had been repossessed, some with personal items of the drivers still in the truck. Also that health insurance claims and workers have not been paid and there are kosher food shortages in the area.
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Officials from Harkin's office visit with displaced workers
Reporting on the visit by Senator Tom Harkin's staff to hear about the impact the Agriprocessors raid and bankruptcy has had on Postville. Also included are the plea by Karina Freund on her trial in Cedar Rapids, updates on the trials for Sholom Rubashkin and Brent Beebe, and the potential of Postville owing $4 million to the USDA if Agriprocessors folds due to an agreement on the wastewater treatment facility.
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Palauans facing many challenges after 'American dream' becomes nightmare
Reporting on the experiences of workers from Palau recruited to work at the Agriprocessors plant after the immigration raid.
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Paycheck record for detained workers
A listing of some of the immigrants owed wages from Agriprocessors after the Postville raid.
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PETA files complaint with U.S. Department of Agriculture
Reporting on a complaint filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals alleging that Agriprocessors was using an inhumane method to kill cattle.
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Postville begins the healing process following last week's immigration raid
Reporting on the impact of the raid on the Agriprocessors plant had on the town of Postville. Also reporting on the ways the area was working to support those impacted by the raid.
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Postville community response committee focuses on need for mental health services for immigrant families
Reporting on the need for mental health services for the workers affected by the Agriprocessors raid and their children as well as the need to support food banks in the area.
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Postville community support provides food for residents in their time of need
Reporting on the increase in donations and increasing demand on the Postville food bank since the Agriprocessors raid,
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Postville food pantry needs volunteer help
Reporting on the need for additional volunteers to help with the food bank due to the increased demand after the Agriprocessors raid.
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Postville is the 'Hometown of Hope;' Official ribbon campaign launched
Reporting on a campaign to show how many were impacted by the Agriprocessors raid and bankruptcy and on the community dinner where the campaign was launched.
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Radio board hears much praise for station manager
Reporting on the board of directors meeting of KPVL Radio where Jeff Abbas gave a report on what he and volunteers did in the aftermath of the Agriprocessors raid to assist those in need.
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Regular meeting of the City Council of Postville, Iowa (July 14, 2008)
Reporting on the city council meeting in which the director of the Hispanic Ministry requested that a street be blocked to allow for a rally/walk. An employee of Agriprocessors stated concerns about the rally/walk.
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Remembering those who were taken
A photograph of a service of remembrance for those detained in the Agriprocessors raid at St. Bridget's Catholic Church.
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Response letters to Camayd-Freixas article on Postville raid
A collection of letters submitted to the Congressional Record written in support of an article on the Postville raid written by Erik Camayd-Freixas.
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Rotary Club of Lacrosse; Quillans donate to local food pantry
Reporting on the donations to the Postville food bank from organizations in LaCrosse and Waukon in response to the increase in demand due to the Agriprocessors raid.
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Rubashkin arrested again & held on allegations of federal bank fraud
Reporting on the arrest of Sholom Rubashkin on allegations of diverting funds in violation of loan agreements to deceive banks.
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Several hundred arrested in immigration raid here Monday
Reporting on the raid of the Agriprocessors plant in Postville, Iowa.
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Special meeting of the City Council of Postville, Iowa (June 17, 2008)
Reporting on the special meeting of the Postville City Council that included a round table discussion on the impact of the Agriprocessors raid with Congressman Tom Latham, state senator Mark Zieman, and representatives from the Allamakee County Emergency Management and the Allamakee County Economic Deveopment offices.
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Special meeting of the City Council of Postville, Iowa (May 21, 2008)
Reporting on a special meeting of the Postville City Council on that was a community discussion on the impacts the Agriprocessors raid had on the community. Other topics discussed were immigration reform and the process of becoming a citizen. There was also some standard city business conducted.
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Standing room only
Color photograph of a meeting with Lt. Governor Patty Judge and other officials in the wake of the Agriprocessors raid and the resulting bankruptcy of the company.
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Supervisor discussing zoning; Hear updates from auditor and emergency management
Reporting on the regular meeting of the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors. The meeting included an update from the Emergency Management Director on the issues stemming from the Agriprocessors plant in Postville and what his office has done to address the problems.
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Supt. Strudthoff praises administration, faculty, staff & students for assistance during I. C. E. raid; Board to hire interim superintendent
Reporting on the first Board of Education meeting after the Agriprocessors raid where Superintendent Strudthoff commended all the administration, teachers, staff, and students on how they handled the situation with the raid, making sure all the students impacted would be safe.
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Upcoming rally is calling for immigration reform, worker justice, family unity
Reporting on an rally scheduled for July 27, 2008 in Postville, Iowa for immigration reform, an end to immigration raids, and just labor practices.
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U.S. Attorney's office files motion to keep former CEO in prison
Reporting on the motion by the U.S. Attorney's Office to deny the release of Sholom Rubashkin, the former CEO of Agriprocessors before the trial.
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Volunteers needed to help in office of Hispanic ministry
Reporting on the need for additional volunteers in Hispanic Ministry to serve as interpreters, do child care, transporting people to court and appointments, and tracking the location of those detained.
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What Happened This Summer poster
Two posters announcing a conversation session on the Postville raid with those affected and with students, faculty, and staff of Luther College who were involved with the aftermath.
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What's happening in and around Postville... (Peace rally and walk is Sunday)
An announcement for a peace rally and walk that was scheduled for July 27, 2008 in Postville to rally for immigration reform, justice for workers, and family unity, A brief summary of the components of the rally is included.
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What's happening in and around Postville... (Service at St. Bridget)
Brief announcement of a prayer service scheduled for June 12, 2008 at St. Bridget Catholic Church to mark the one month anniversary of the Agriprocessors raid. A reading of the names of the detainees is to be part of the service.
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People at interfaith prayer service, rally urge justice for migrants
Barb Arland-Fye
Catholic News Service article from Aug. 1, 2008: Inside a Catholic church in northeast Iowa July 27, a rabbi from Chicago pondered the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty at a gathering of 500 people of various faiths.
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Agriprocessors and named employees plead not guilty
Bob Beach
A report on the preliminary hearing regarding alleged violations of child labor laws at the Agriprocessors plant in Postville.
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Letter to the Editor [Jayn Brotman]
Jayn Brotman
Opinion letter about the role Jews have taken in humane movements and how the ways Agriprocessors conducted business was against Jewish ethics.
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A Crime to Work: The Part of "Illegal" I Don't Understand
Erik Camayd-Freixas
Addresses the role of identity theft as the chief charge against most of the people detained in the Agriprocessors immigration raid in Postville, Iowa.
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Postville hearings: Justice, lost in translation?
Erik Camayd-Freixas
Reporting by one of the translators brought in for those detained after the Postville raid at the Agriprocessors plant.
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Word for word Allamakee County pastor's ponderings Rev. Gary Catterson, Community Presbyterian Church
Gary Catterson
Opinion piece written by Rev. Gary Catterson reflecting on the reactions to the Agriprocessors raid and what the teachings of the Christian church is regarding judging others.
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Letter to the Editor [David Cavagnaro]
David Cavagnaro
A letter decrying the treatment of those detained in the Agriprocessors immigration raid and the impact immigrants have on the country.
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Iowa community rallies to help families after raids
Dave Cushing
Catholic News Service article from May 28, 2008: As the people arrested in a May 12 immigration raid in Iowa were processed and sent off to prison or deported, church leaders, pastoral ministers and community organizers in northeast Iowa struggled with what they called the tragic and devastating effects of the enforcement action.
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Testimony from Director Forman on ICE conduct during raid
Marcy M. Forman
The statement given by Marcy M. Forman, Director of the Office of Investigations or the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the United States House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law on their procedures and the Postville Immigration Raid.
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Letters to the Editor [Carole S. Gauger)]
Carole S. Gauger
Opinion letter expressing concerns about how the animals left at the plant are being treated while Agriprocessors is in bankruptcy.
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Letter to the Editor [Richard Gaul and L. Paul Ouderkirk]
Richard Gaul and L. Paul Ouderkirk
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader commenting on the discovery of falsified personal identification records in the vehicle of employees of Agriprocessors on September 12, 2008.
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Letter to the Editor [Cami Hanson]
Cami Hanson
A letter questioning the expense of the Agriprocessors immigration raid given other needs for assistance in the area.
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Letter to the Editor [Karen Heins]
Karen Heins
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader expressing the opinion that those on public assistance should work at the Agriprocessors plant so there wouldn't be a demand for immigrant labor.
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Nobel winner listens to testimony of workers rounded up in Iowa raid
Carol Hoverman
Catholic News Service article from Nov. 19, 2008: She came from Guatemala to Postville for one purpose.
"I have come to listen specifically to the testimonies of the people who have suffered abuses here from the raid," Rigoberta Menchu said. "I come not only to listen to your suffering, but also to identify with your suffering. Your pain is my pain."
So began the message of the 1992 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in human rights, first in Guatemala and now on the international stage.
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Agriprocessors Inc. safety and health inspection documents
Iowa Workforce Development
Various documents relating to obtaining a warrant to conduct a safety and health inspection of the Agriprocessors plant and the subsequent request to suppress the findings of the inspection.
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Letter to the Editor [Herman Lenz] 1
Herman Lenz
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader stating that the Postville and Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints raids are an indication of the increasing power of the federal government.
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Letter to the Editor [Herman Lenz] 2
Herman Lenz
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader opposing the way the Postville raid was conducted.
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Letter to Dept. of Justice and Dept. of Homeland Security
Zoe Lofgren
A letter from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to Michael Mukasey, Attorney General of the United States, and Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security, concerning the alleged abuse of the workers who were detained during the Agriprocessors plant raid in Postville, Iowa.
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Letter to the Editor [Jody Mitchell]
Jody Mitchell
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader comparing the treatment of those impacted by the Postville raid with the experiences of those impacted by the 2008 flood in Cedar Rapids.
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Letter to the Editor [Becky Monroe]
Becky Monroe
A letter expressing dissatisfaction with the manner in which Postville was depicted in local reporting in the aftermath of the Agriprocessors raid.
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Bishops seek end to immigration enforcement raids
Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service article from Sep. 10, 2008: - If federal immigration officials cannot create more "humane" conditions when making enforcement raids against undocumented immigrants, then "these enforcement raids should be abandoned," said Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration.
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Panelists discuss how news media look at poverty issues
Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service article from Jun. 10, 2008: The news media look at poverty issues -- when they bother to look at all -- with a negative connotation, according to the co-author of one study.
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Letters to the Editor [Dorothy Paulsen]
Dorothy Paulsen
Opinion that Agriprocessors had let down the town of Postville, the impact on workers of the raid, and that it would be good for Postviille to have the plant open under new management.
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Ag files Child Labor Law violations
Postville Herald-Leader
A brief news article on the allegations of child labor law violations filed against Agriprocessors in 2008.
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A gift from afar
Postville Herald-Leader
A photograph and short news story on the donations to the Postville Food Pantry from Ohio in the aftermath of the Postville Immigration Raid.
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City Council meets to discuss impact of raid
Postville Herald-Leader
A report on the special session of the Postville City Council addressing the impact of the immigration raid on the community.
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Community foundation assists Postville families
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on the donation made by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to assist families and children impacted by the Agriprocessors immigration raid.
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Congressman Latham and staff meet with govt. officials, others during "Disaster Tour"
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on Tom Latham's and Lois Clark's visit to Postville to hear about the impact of the Agriprocessors immigration raid, the need for a new wastewater treatment plant for Postville, and the aftermath of flooding in Allamakee County.
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Discussion held on new hires at Agriprocessors
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on concerns regarding the people brought to Postville by a hiring agency to replace the workers detained in the immigration raid.
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Diversity Council releases statement
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on the Postville Diversity Council's statement on the need for immigration reform.
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Diversity Council update on aftermath of raid
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on the impact on local charities from the Agriprocessors immigration raid
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ELCA makes donation following ICE raid
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on the donation by the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America's domestic hunger grants program to the relief effort after the Agriprocessors immigration raid
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Faith leaders speak out on poor treatment of workers
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on the reaction of various religious leaders to the treatment of immigrant workers in eastern Iowa and their calls for immigration reform.
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HR employees enter not guilty pleas
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on the human resource employees of Agriprocessors filing not guilty pleas on aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft.
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Illegal immigrants freed after testifying against plant manager; Pair remain under house arrest
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting that two of the people detained in the Agriprocessors raid were released on house arrest after testifying against Juan Carlos Guerrero-Espinoza.
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Immigrants meet with U.S. Congressmen Saturday
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on the meeting of three members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus with immigrants impacted by the Agriprocessors raid.
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Iowa Division of Labor proposes citations and penalties against Agriprocessors, Inc.
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on citations issued to the Agriprocessors plant by the Iowa Division of Labor Services for state workplace safety standards violations.
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Lessons learned from Agriprocessors raid shared; Immigration reform needed
Postville Herald-Leader
Reporting on a press conference held by faith and labor leaders on the need for immigration reform and the impact of the Agriprocessors raid.
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Letter to the Editor [Lewis Regenstein]
Lewis Regenstein
Opinion letter from the president of the Interfaith Council for the Protection of Animals and Nature clarifying the way animals are to be treated under Jewish law and how Agriprocessors appeared to have not followed the law.
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Testimony from Dept. of Justice on ICE conduct during raid
Deborah J. Rhodes
The statement given by the Senior Associate Deputy Attorney General Deborah J. Rhodes to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law's hearing on immigration raids.
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Bienvenidos, Amigos! : The Tapestry Magazine
Liz Rog
Article on the arrival of 10 men in Decorah after their incarceration from the Postville raid.
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Many Doses of Kindness
Liz Rog
An account of seeking medical care for an immigrant woman with a bad headache after the Postville raid.
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Many doses of kindness; A northeast Iowa Christmas story
Liz Rog
An account of seeking medical care for an immigrant woman with a bad headache after the Postville raid.
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Letter to the Editor [Dale Siems]
Dale Siems
A letter citing statistics on the benefits and costs of illegal immigration and suggesting a program like the Bracero guest worker program be put in place.
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Launa Rambler
Christopher Staley
Slice of life reporting from Luana, Iowa, a small town in Clayton County. This column includes some local reaction to the Postville immigration raid.
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Letter to the Editor [Amy Tamar Dickel]
Amy Tamar Dickel
Letter concerning the generosity of local businesses in the immediate aftermath of the Agriprocessors raid.
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Jacobson Staffing helping Agriprocessors replace workers taken in May ICE raid
Mike Van Sickle and Jerry Blue
Reprinting the reporting that the Jacobson Staffing Company is working with Agriprocessors to hire workers to take the place of the workers detained in the immigration raid.
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Letter to the Editor [Rachel Vega and Zulema Medina]
Rachel Vega and Zulema Medina
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader recounting how individuals were hired and fired on the same day and blacklisted after returning to the placement agency.
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Guest editorial; Railroading immigrants
Kathleen Walker
Editorial written by the past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association on the way the legal proceedings against those detained in the Agriprocessors raid were handled.
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Letter to the Editor [K. Weston]
K. Weston
Opinion letter listing the local businesses owed money by Agriprocessors and the amounts owed to them and what impact that has on the local economy.
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Letter to the Editor [K. Weston]
K. Weston
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader stating that those in charge of the Agriprocessors plant in Postville should be held accountable for the conditions in the plant. The letter also commends those involved in organizing the interfaith prayer service held on July 27, 2008.
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Letter to the Editor [Ken Weston] 1
Ken Weston
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader expressing concern for the impact the Agriprocessors raid had on the community of Postville and those impacted by the raid. The letter also gives information on some services being provided to those impacted and lists some needs for the food banks.
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Letter to the Editor [Ken Weston] 2
Ken Weston
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader expressing the belief that the management of the Agriprocessors plant should face stricter punishments for safety and other workplace violations.The letter also thanks those who have assisted those impacted by the raid and expresses hope for immigration reform.
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Letter to the Editor [Ken Weston] 3
Ken Weston
A letter to the Postville Herald-Leader expressing skepticism on the promise by Agriprocessors management to be better employers. The letter also encourages people to take part in an upcoming peaceful protest.
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Conference examines Homeland Security's handling of immigration
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from May 21, 2008: Five years after the Department of Homeland Security was created as an umbrella agency, its handling of immigration-related situations came in for harsh criticism at an immigration law and policy conference May 20.
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ICE head touts common ground with church, avoids talk of differences
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from Jul. 30, 2008: The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, had to know she was stepping in front of a potentially challenging audience when she agreed to speak to the 2008 National Migration Conference, co-sponsored by four Catholic organizations that aid refugees and immigrants.
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Investment banker's little bond fund goes nationwide for immigrants
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from Aug. 13, 2008: Massachusetts investment banker and philanthropist Robert Hildreth's success in business means Luis Delgado, a Mexican immigrant arrested in an immigration crackdown on a Maryland roofing company June 30, will get to be with his wife and children for the months it will take his legal case to be adjudicated.
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Iowa town stretching resources to help families hurt by ICE raid
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from Jul. 30, 2008: Father Richard Gaul, from St. Bridget's Parish in Postville, Iowa, said that in the more than two months since the largest single-business immigration raid in history hit their town, the situation for many people has gone from bad to worse.
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Repercussions of immigration raid felt far beyond Iowa
Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service article from May 23, 2008: An immigration raid May 12 in Iowa may have taken place in tiny Postville, but its repercussions are being felt as far away as Washington and Guatemala.
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Agriprocessors Inc. OSHA logs 2007
A log of the work-related injuries and illnesses for workers at the Agriprocessors plant in Postville, Iowa for the year 2007.
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ESL recognition ceremony program
A program for the recognition ceremony for immigrants who completed the English as a second language program offered through the Decorah Public Library, Luther College, Northeast Iowa Community College, and Postville Community Schools. The ceremony was held on May 26, 2005.
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Newspaper article recognizes ESL student ceremony
A newspaper article reporting on the recognition ceremony for the participants in the English as a second language program held on May 26, 2005.
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Postville and Chinese Immigrants flyer
Jian Li
A flyer and the handouts of a presentation on the Chinese culture and on ways for Postville residents and Chinese immigrants to interact.
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Images of downtown Postville storefronts created by Diversity Council, 2000-2002
Photographs of storefront displays in downtown Postville created by the local Diversity Council between 2000 and 2002.
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Postville Diversity Film Series flyer
A flyer announcing the showing of three films from the Russian, Jewish, and Mexican cultures about families and their role in society.
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Welcoming new Iowans
A pamphlet announcing a seminar on how to welcome new immigrants to Iowa held on October 1, 2001
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Cityscape Magazine article
Erika Wilkins
An article titled "Taste of Postville festival brings community together" reports on the fourth annual festival held on August 26, 2001 that provided a way for people to learn of the cultures in the community.
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Diversity The Gift of Difference Workshop brochure
A pamphlet announcing a workshop on how immigrants have similar life experiences but may view these experiences through a different lens.