FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2018

Contact: Chelsea Connor | cconnor@rwdsu.org | 347-866-6259

STATEMENT FROM RWDSU PRESIDENT STUART APPELBAUM ON MAJOR ICE RAID OF RWDSU PLANT IN OHIO

ICE Raids on Fresh Mark Plants Unconscionable – Union Will Not Tolerate Egregious Action 

NEW YORK, NY – Yesterday, in an egregious show of force by the Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided three Fresh Mark meat-processing plants in Ohio, represented by the RWDSU. 2,800 people come to these three plants every day to work, but yesterday 140 were detained and separated from their scared families. Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union responded:

“We are outraged by the actions of Donald Trump. 140 people couldn't go home to their families last night, and their children were left on their own to fend for themselves – that is unconscionable. Yesterday, Donald Trump sent in ICE agents to separate hard working immigrant families in an egregious show of force. Our union is a union of hard working people, which includes immigrants; and we stand with all immigrant workers, who are trying to support their families and better their lives. Our union will not stand for violence against immigrants; we will not stand for tearing families apart and we will not stand for the terrifying tactics of the Trump Administration. The RWDSU is committed to assisting workers affected by this ICE raid and will continue to fight against any and all heartless attacks on immigrant workers seeking to provide for their families,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

Details on who specifically is being detained are still being clarified in the wake of ICE’s cruel raid. The RWDSU is working to assist families involved. If you have questions regarding a specific person please reach out to JDorismond@RWDSU.org.