WATERLOO-People living in Waterloo are certainly talking about the detainees and the massive processing effort taking place at the National Cattle Congress grounds.

Some sympathize with those in custody and their families. But others aren't ready to forgive or forget charges of illegal residency.

One place TV9 found opinions is the nearest residential area to the Cattle Congress. San Souci island is a private drive lined with homes along the Cedar River about 100 yards from the temporary federal detention facility.

One resident, Katy Hackett, said "they're human beings...they're people and they come here to make a living. I don't know how you can't look at them and not emphasize with what they're going through...yet on the other hand I understand there are laws in this country."

Another man, Dick Arildsen, said "my personal opinion is it's about time they're tried to remedy the problem."

Near the Cattle Congress grounds one driver saw our cameras and yelled "go ICE"--an obvious sign of approval for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement...or ICE...action Monday. But another resident downtown in Waterloo was more sympathetic.

Pam Deckard said "my thoughts are they ought to leave them alone because they're here just trying to support their families and they will just end up here again."

We also found Brant Kelley downtown. He said "I think everybody should have a chance...but I think you should enter legally."

Many residents living near the Cattle Congress grounds say they expected something big based on all the preparations leading up to Monday's action in Postville. But the size of the raid and the aftermath still surprised everyone.