Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Officials arrest 13 immigrants at dairy

Officials arrest 13 immigrants at dairy

Apr 12, 2007 - 04:08:54 CDT

TOWNER (AP) - Immigration officials say 13 employees at a dairy here have been arrested on charges of being in the country illegally. A government spokesman and U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley denied the dairy operator's allegations that officers used unnecessary force.

Mike Zimmerman, who operates the Sandhills Dairy, estimated about 50 officers were on the scene Tuesday. He said they displayed weapons, kicked down doors and handcuffed his son and employees. Officers also handcuffed a longtime friend of his, held a gun to his head and asked for his birth certificate, Zimmerman said.

"It's an unbelievable, frustrating and humiliating experience," Zimmerman said of the raid.

Wrigley and Tim Counts, a spokesman for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, said Wednesday that officers did not hold a gun to anyone's head.

"That is a preposterous allegation and that's false," Counts said. The officers "acted with professionalism and fully within the law," he said.

Wrigley said Zimmerman was "throwing around baseless claims that are completely false."

"Not a single individual received so much as a scratch," he said.

Counts said 36 officers were on the scene, including Border Patrol agents and agents from the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the McHenry County sheriff's office and the Highway Patrol. He said Zimmerman's son was "briefly handcuffed because he was uncooperative and belligerent," but quickly calmed down.

Wrigley said officers did have to force their way into some buildings on the dairy farm but that they did so professionally.

"That is not only their right when armed with a federal search warrant. It is their obligation to search and secure the premises," he said.

Those arrested Tuesday included 12 men and one woman, Counts said. One of the workers is from Guatemala and the rest are from Mexico, he said.

Officers took the group to the Border Patrol station in Bottineau. Wrigley said officials will be deciding whether to schedule the workers for deportation hearings or charge them with crimes.

The woman was released for "child care issues" but still must appear at a hearing, Counts said. Wrigley said the woman has a 1-year-old child who needs her care.

Zimmerman said he believed the workers' paperwork was in order when they were hired. He said the agents arrived about 8 a.m. Tuesday, to block traffic in and out of the dairy and halt milking operations.

Wrigley declined comment on whether Zimmerman might face charges, citing the ongoing investigation. He said the probe has been going on "for quite some time," though he would not say how long or how it initially came about.

Counts said the officers had a search warrant based on leads in the ongoing investigation, but he also declined to discuss details of the case.

"It's important to remember that ICE and its law enforcement partners were executing a federal criminal search warrant issued by a federal magistrate judge," he said.

Zimmerman said the dairy milks 700 cows three times a day and the raid left him short of workers. He said he may have to start selling off his herd.

Zimmerman said Wednesday that volunteers from the area were helping feed and milk the cows.

"This place just never stops," he said.

News > State

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Comments

opinions wrote on Apr 12, 2007 10:18 PM:

" Apperently you people just don't listen. Where are you getting your in formation that these dairies don't pay well. You can make $6.50 working at McDonalds or you could work at a dairy which is paying $10.00 per hour plus room and board and usually free meat. Plus the dairies pay their taxes and workmens comp and in some cases will pay for medical insurance or the medical bills if some emergencies happen. If you think they are paying these spanish speaking employees $3 to $4 per hour you are sadly mistaken they do not treat them like sweatshop workers. So now I ask you if the dairies are paying that good why aren't these people who are only making minimum wage not standing in line to go to work at these dairies. Could it be that they do not want to covered in cow manure at the end of the day and these people that you call illegals are willing to do this tedious and smelly job. If you have never worked or been on a dairy don't point the finger until you are willing to walk a mile in these peoples shoes. "

hugo wrote on Apr 12, 2007 9:58 PM:

" the fat lazy american, were good at making the coozi cup that keep our beer cold. that about the hardest work we wish to do. "

C'Mon wrote on Apr 12, 2007 9:17 PM:

" Ed schultz is on Zimmerman's side, What an IDIOT, he just needs the ratings. The owner of the dairy and the illegals should be arrested. Now they cry after they knew full well these were Illegal. "

kellermen wrote on Apr 12, 2007 7:13 PM:

" the people that hire illegal should be thrown in jail and pay a big fine. then you would see more illegal crossing the border but they'd be walking south. we don't need illegal to do jobs that no one else would do if those jobs paid better but some greedy american want to save a buck anyway they can. "

Mike wrote on Apr 12, 2007 6:46 PM:

" Since we in the US are having problems finding workers to work the jobs most American citizens don't want to work, and since we American's don't want illegal aliens in the US...maybe we should shut down the plants, and businesses in the US and open up shop south of the border so the illegals won't be illegal, and the US companies will become Mexican companies. But then we Americans will start whining about all the jobs moving south of the border...I say LET the illegals come in and work the jobs we don't want to work...but make it easier so they can work towards legal citizenship. "

Leah wrote on Apr 12, 2007 5:42 PM:

" The illegal aliens probably purchased illegal documents for a couple hundred bucks. They can get SS# new Date of birth, new name. It happens all the time. I've personally seen it. We had(notice "had" is the key word here) an employee that did exactly that. "

opinions wrote on Apr 12, 2007 5:42 PM:

" Everybody has an opinion on this matter. I would like to know how many of you that have commented on this story have ever milked cows or owned a dairy? How many of you know the Zimmermans or the people who work for them? How many of you own your own businesses and have provided jobs for other people? I have lived and worked through out the United States and have worked side by side with these so called illegal immigrants. You say that they are criminals and bad people. I know some U.S. citizens who are not very nice people. I do know MR Zimmerman and his family personnaly and I do know that if you would like to talk with Mike about this issue he would be glad to talk to you. As far as commenting on all of the other issues I am not going to get into that for I feel their are always 2 sides to every story. I feel if I do not know the whole story it is not my place to speculate on what is none of my business. I always say that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. I also know some of the spanish speaking people who work for Mr Zimmerman. Some of them are acctually U.S. citizens born and raised in the U.S.. Before you go and judge Mr. Zimmerman or anyone else who has spanish speaking people working for them make sure you know the story and not just what you have heard from unrelated sources. For those of you who say Mr. Zimmerman should have also been arrested isn't it innocent until proven guilty. "

an ignorant ND native wrote on Apr 12, 2007 3:59 PM:

" Who's calling who ignorant? You chose to marry and have a child with an illegal alien, or is the "proper" term "non-documented" immigrant. There are legal ways of getting into this country, and these people are CHOOSING to take the risks, they must also face the consequences. Other countries have immigration laws and regulations, and enforce them. We pay taxes and follow rules to reap the benefits of this country, if others want to be a part of it, they should do the same. "

Susie Q. wrote on Apr 12, 2007 3:47 PM:

" I see one solution to the problem of illegal immigrants: become legal. There is a process to go through. Also, most 'hired' hands do not fill out any paper work, especially if they are employed by a private enterprise (such as Zimmerman's Dairy Farm) so the employer does not look at the Driver's License or Social Security Card. They are usually daily laborers, such a migrant workers who work in the sugar beet fields. Many of them are paid in cash, thus not paying taxes. "

Agree wrote on Apr 12, 2007 3:29 PM:

" I know that the company my husband works for asks to see identification to prove citzenship, whether it be a driver's license or green card. So, I do not see how he could not know that these people were illegals. I also agree that the woman is just as guilty as the men if they are all here illegally and shouldn't be given special treatment. "

Dave wrote on Apr 12, 2007 1:56 PM:

" Another example of police brutality. "

Al Gee wrote on Apr 12, 2007 1:28 PM:

" To GS. I'm sorry but i won't be able to apply there. I have to stay with my higher paying job so i can pay the taxes to support all of these illegals and make sure they can abuse our healthcare system. "

It's about time!!! wrote on Apr 12, 2007 1:19 PM:

" This whole situation doesn't add up. How do you not know that half of the people that work for you are illegal? He had to know and now he is sorry he got caught and wants to play the sympathy card. On the Minot Daily News website there is an article saying the dairy might have to close because they can't find any workers. You know at one point all locals did work there. Maybe he shouldn't have burned his bridges. "

gs wrote on Apr 12, 2007 12:49 PM:

" Of course immigration is going to turn the story around for their own convenience. When have the authorities ever voluntarily admitted they did wrong or overstepped their boundaries? How many of you out there are going to apply at the dairy to milk cows now, is what I would like to know? "

CK to editor wrote on Apr 12, 2007 12:40 PM:

" I would guess that a trip by one of your reporters to the area would be in order. You never know what you will find out. What about a request to WSI to see what they paid out during that time frame? I don't know if those records are public or not but it seems to me that an investgative piece on this topic is long overdue. Wouldn't that open a can of worms...pulitizer??? who knows...good luck...sorry you wont post what I wrote. seems like it is just a blog...no one uses their own names...lots of things get through that cannot be substantiated... "

Say What?? wrote on Apr 12, 2007 12:27 PM:

" To married to an illegal. You kiddin me? You were more than likely aware that people from other countries just can't come on over to our country and start living without making arrangements with the government. How bout you go to his country and be his lazy american hut keeper, eat portioned servings of rice, and have 15 children. Happy Living!! "

Online Editor wrote on Apr 12, 2007 12:17 PM:

" To ck: We have not published that as being true. Because I cannot easily verify it, it can't be published. "

Dan wrote on Apr 12, 2007 12:11 PM:

" If someone is facing deportation for being here ILLEGALLY, then I guess I feel bad for the wife and child that will be left behind. Sorry, but laws are laws. It's about time we started to actually ENFORCE them. "

Sk wrote on Apr 12, 2007 11:56 AM:

" Married to an illegal, Your wrong, even if god owns the world we have sovernty over our land within our borders so yes we can say who can or cannot live here. It has been that way since the begining of time, man and animal alike have set borders for thier own well being. "

Finally wrote on Apr 12, 2007 11:16 AM:

" The feds are doing something... illegals have no rights in this country. Zimmerman said he didn't hire the people - who did? Is he a front for someone. IF he paid a living wage, then he could hire workers from his own town. Why bring illegals here? So he can pay them to work for pennies? It's too bad they can't find work in their own country - but don't come here and take our jobs. Why didn't the city of Towner protest the illegals? This country is being overrun and we're letting it happen. When will people wake up? Why should we have to learn two languages? "

Online Editor wrote on Apr 12, 2007 10:51 AM:

" To ck: I can't find any post of yours that was deleted, feel free to send it again. "

Married to an illegal wrote on Apr 12, 2007 10:37 AM:

" You all are ignorate ND natives. I'm married to an illegal immigrant that is facing deportation. we have a child together that he is facing not seeing for up to 10 years, just because he was willing to do the jobs that us lazy Americans are not willing to do. How about the goverment trying to get some lazy welfare people of the couch to do the work then there wouldn't be any jobs available for the illegals and we wouldn't have to worry then because they won't come her if there is no work. I would like to see one of you live in the terrible conditions my husband faced while leaving in a poor country like Mexico. Wake up people this earth is owned by God and noone has the right to say who can reside her or not!!!!!!@ "

To DBC and Former Nodak wrote on Apr 12, 2007 10:07 AM:

" The idea of our economy "crumbling" if we got rid of 12 million criminal illegal aliens is preposterous. After seeing the figures on crime rates among these illegal aliens, I'm fine with paying a bit more for my milk, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. I don't care how you sugar-coat it, these people HAVE NO RIGHT to be here. They are here ILLEGALLY. Spell it with me... I--L--L--E--G--A--L!! "

Concerned Cowboy wrote on Apr 12, 2007 10:02 AM:

" Follow the money. How did this situation get started? And how did it get so out-of-hand? Didn't the Towner Community Development folks support the establishment of this milking operation? An operation that claimed they would be providing jobs for local residents? There are local people who would have worked for Zimmerman if he paid a living wage, especially some of our local farm kids. Was there no red flag when there were few local people working there yet they're milking 700 cows? Who skimmed the cream? Did Zimmerman get any tax breaks when he set up this operation? Is Zimmerman the owner or just the operator? Do your homework, check out the facts, and address the problem at its roots. This goes deeper than just illegal immigration. If you visit more of Mexico than just the resorts or work in Mexico for a while, you will better understand why many Mexicans and other Central Americans are willing to take tremendous risks to come here and to be able to send money home to keep their families alive. Those of you who blame the illegal immigrants for these problems have not walked in their shoes--try living with 5-6 children in a one room tar-paper shack and searching the dumpground for enough scraps to provide one small meal a day for your family. Yes, they are here illegally, but let's not lose sight of the fact that they ARE human beings, deserve to be treated as such, and most would rather be home with their families if they had any other means of feeding them. "

military mom wrote on Apr 12, 2007 9:46 AM:

" I believe, unless things have changed since I was in the work force about 5yrs ago that when hired a person had to provide documents such as drivers lisence, green cards, or Visa's. Now how did Mr. Zimmerman not know he had illegal's if he checked thier paper work in the first place. I am all for the immegrants coming here to work as are'nt we all decendands of the immegrants. But let's have them here honestly and legally. "

1/2 Wrench wrote on Apr 12, 2007 9:39 AM:

" I am glad to see law enforcment enforcing the law. I no longer live in your state and I can tell you first hand, they get a foot hold in your town and it's all down hill after that. The illegal immigrant has nothing to lose. They get a free ride back to their country and sneek back across in a week. I hope they get the book. Make it uncomfortable for these people. "

DBC wrote on Apr 12, 2007 9:12 AM:

" All of you have no appreciation for production agriculture and what it takes to provide affordable food. This extends to vegetable, fruit, wine, meat, dairy, and crop production. I agree that the law was being broken, but it illustrates the need for comprehensive immigration reform to allow people that want to do these jobs to be paid and taxed accordingly. In the dairy and other ag industries, immigrants are by far the best workers for these routine and monotonous jobs, because others don't want to do the jobs. This issue is way larger than any of us, please just appreciate what it takes to get the jobs done to feed the country. "

Former North Dakotan wrote on Apr 12, 2007 9:11 AM:

" Wow. Such words of hadred. I'm impressed that Mr. Zimmerman even has such a large operation. With ND's economy "flourishing" it would be great to see more people like Zimmerman stepping up to the plate and generating revenue for the state. Not saying it's right, but the country's economy would crumble if we took out all the imigrant workers. It's funny how everyone is so quick to assume he's a liar and a crook. Let's wait and see what comes up from these allegations and if they really are illegal workers and he is to blame. "

Al Gee wrote on Apr 12, 2007 8:59 AM:

" I hope this Zimmerman gets some time for hiring criminals. If he doesn't i hope the town of Towner respects their right to refuse service to him. "

sick and tired wrote on Apr 12, 2007 8:44 AM:

" The owner of the dairy seems to want sympothy for hiring ILLEGAL immigrants. Unreal. Now he will have to pay workers the same wage everybody else has to. "

Sk wrote on Apr 12, 2007 8:38 AM:

" Good, finally the feds are doing something!! "

Tim wrote on Apr 12, 2007 8:28 AM:

" The women was releases for "child care concerns"??? OMG what is this world coming to?? She is just as guilty as anyone of the other men, so why does she get special tratment? Have they ever heard of social services? They could have investigated and took care of that end of it. If my wife and I do something wrong, I don't expect my wife to be released to go watch the kids, I would expect that social services would be called on us and it would be taken from there. Why do illegalls get special treatment??????? That is my only question.. "

Dan wrote on Apr 12, 2007 8:22 AM:

" Kick them out of the country and throw the book at the dairy owner for having them work there. There MUST be consequences for this type of activity besides a slap on the wrist. Illegals must go!! "

Jerry wrote on Apr 12, 2007 7:53 AM:

" Send them back! Send them back! Waaaaay back! "

CW wrote on Apr 12, 2007 7:23 AM:

" What a shame---operating illegally and then when caught trying to blame the law enforcement agencies!! And then trying to say you know nothing about it. Come on, you got caught. Did you not think you would!! Now just deal with it!!! "

working guy wrote on Apr 12, 2007 6:36 AM:

" The 14th arrest should have been Mr. Zimmerman. "

boo hoo wrote on Apr 12, 2007 4:38 AM:

" Mr. Zimmerman has nothing to lose by lying about what happened. He is just mad about not having help to milk cows. "

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