Questions over raid’s impact on labor investigation remain (Rep. Braley, D-Ia stands 4 workers)

[Omaha Steve]

Friday, July 18, 2008 7:23 AM CDT

By JENS MANUEL KROGSTAD, Courier Staff Writer
WASHINGTON — Justice Department and federal immigration officials say they notified the Department of Labor in advance of an immigration raid in Postville, even as labor officials claim otherwise.

The differing opinions were revealed in letters to Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa. The congressman released them on Thursday.


Rep. Bruce Braley


Braley said he is concerned about the possible impact the raid has had on ongoing labor investigations at Agriprocessors, the kosher meat processing plant raided by federal immigration agents on May 12.

It remains unknown how the raid affected any labor law or child labor investigations.

"Upholding immigration laws and ensuring worker safety are both vitally important to the people of Iowa, and one should not come at the expense of the other," Braley said.

The Department of Labor stated the "complexion" of its investigation had changed because of the raid, but provided no further details, citing an ongoing investigation.

FULL stroy at link.