MARSHALLTOWN (12-12-06) - A major federal immigration raid sent agents swarming into meatpacking plants in six states, including Iowa.

Scores of federal agents served warrants at six swift and company plants.

In addition to Marshalltown, they also raided swift plants in Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas and Utah.

Federal immigration agents dub this "Operation Wagon Train" and agents say the raid here and in other states was aimed at illegal immigrants who obtained jobs by stealing the identity of U.S. citizens.

The homeland security buses rolled up the swift plant this morning. And it didn't take long for friends and families of Hispanic workers inside to know something big was up.

“It's not fair because we are human beings, but I know at the same time the United States has to do what it has to do,” said Hector Salvo-Angel, business owner.

Immigration and customs enforcement or ice brought at least six security buses to the plant. Onlookers saw dozens of workers boarded at a time. One agent in charge says the investigation started last winter and it's focused on identity theft.

“We believe hundreds of U.S. citizens have had identities stolen and used by illegal aliens to gain employment at Swift,” said Gail Montenegro of I.C.E. “(I was surprised) because they haven't been here for so long and everybody's getting fired because of no documentation, but we didn't expect immigration to be here.”

Members of the Hispanic community say the last immigration raid here took place in 1996. Federal authorities would not disclose how many workers were arrested in the sweep.

The surprise raid is affecting families left behind. Many supporters worried about children of workers who were picked up at the plant.

Federal agents raided the swift and company meat processing plant this morning after a nearly year-long investigation.

"We have agents on the ground who are analyzing immigration status and eligibility to work in the U.S.," said Gail Montenegro, I.C.E. spokesperson.

Word of the raid spread quickly through town, and concern turned towards the children of workers who were arrested.

"Kids right now are in school and freaked out. They're panicking about what their parents. Because they work here, they don't know what to do," said Ivan Yepeze, Hispanic community supporter.

A nun from a local church is concerned for the immigrant families and said there is a policy for the children.

"What we were told is if there are two parents working the same shift that are undocumented, one of them can stay with the kids, and if they are a single parent, then they will be allowed to stay with the children until they have their court date as undocumented workers,” said Sister Christine Feagan, Catholic nun.

Federal agents have a toll-free number where friends and family can call with questions about workers who were taken away. That number is 866-341-3858.

Federal agents say the warrant did not mention Swift and company.

However, the investigation into any company involvement is continuing.