Some Waterloo Residents Don't Have Much Sympathy for Detainees
By Dave Franzman,
Agriprocessors, Inc. meatpacking plant employees talk with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during a raid at the plant in Postville on Monday morning, May 12, 2008.
(Liz Martin/The Gazette)
By
Dave Franzman
Story Created:
May 14, 2008 at 5:08 PM CST
Story Updated:
May 14, 2008 at 5:15 PM CST
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.
More Good Stuff
Conversation Guidelines
Be Kind
Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.
Share Knowledge
Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.
Stay focused
Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.
Report Trouble
Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.
read the full guidelines here »
Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.
Most Popular >>