Illegal Worker Describes Escape from Plant

By Josh Hinkle, Anchor/Reporter

By Josh Hinkle

POSTVILLE - St. Bridget Catholic Church is a place for many of Postville's Hispanic community to to catch their breath... to cry behind closed doors... and for illegal immigrants, like Eduardo Melendez, to hide from the law.

He says, in Spanish, "They grabbed us by the hair and said, 'Hurry. Walk.' Other workers were lying on the floor. Many were in handcuffs."

Somehow, Melendez and his cousin escaped ICE agents during the raid at Agriprocessors. But eight of their family members, including Melendez' brother, didn't make it out. He says the church is now his only option.

"We're sleeping on the pews, because we can't go home. This is the only place we've found to cut off immigration."

Worry of more raids on homes now prompts as many as 200 people, often entire families, to seek shelter here. The church provides food, a place to sleep, and a way for parents and their children to continue a daily routine. Still, volunteers say grief over the loss of so many livelihoods and fear of what the future holds outweigh any necessities they can offer.

Sister Mary McCauley says, "I heard today that even some of the children, the small children at the Postville school, made a petition, and it said 'Do not take our families away.' And that's how we feel."

People know this place is only temporary.

Melendez says, "It's luck from God that I'm here."

Showing his face on camera means he's still free. The interview with TV 9 scares him far less than no longer working and sending money back to his family in Guatemala. For now though, he still has hope of starting new.

Email Josh Hinkle at Josh.Hinkle@kcrg.com
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The following comments do not necessarily represent the views of KCRG-TV9. Users have agreed to these terms and in doing so accept full responsibility for their comments. Moderation is limited.

Monday, Jun 16 at 11:56 AM Jesus E wrote ...

They majority of you are grossly ignorant about a number of issues. It's pathetically tragic that you've all forgotten where you came from and are so greedy and selfish that you would actively petition to deny less fortunate individuals the same privileges you have. Most, if not all of you, should go back and READ the U.S. Constitution and the Bible. You'll find the garbage you're advocating for and throwing up all over message boards is totally wrong and contradictory to those documents.

Saturday, May 31 at 5:26 AM charlie wrote ...

complain complain complain all of you are barking up the wrong tree.the lawmakers and yor system are to blame because you allow it.you give them services food stamps jobs medicaid allow them to have babies paid for.yhey walk freely among us.instead of complaining do something.employers break the law by hiring them.....

Sunday, May 25 at 9:03 PM Bill Of Rights wrote ...

First off the church is breaking the law by harboring them!! Second the US Constitution says that a person born here must have one or both parents to be a US Citizen, just being born here doesnt make you a citizen!! As for the Bible Jesus says he theat entereth by not the door is no more than a thief, so I translate that if you sneek across our border your nothing more than a thief!!!(1John)the catholic church is going against the Bible for doing this!!

Tuesday, May 20 at 2:56 PM ICE Agents wrote ...

Get in there and get them! So your telling me I can do everything wrong in the law and break every law as long as I live in a chruch I'm ok?

Monday, May 19 at 6:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Are the illegals still in that church, does anyone know? If so get media coverage on it.

Monday, May 19 at 6:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Does anyone remember the story of Elvira who took refuge in a church in Chicago? American citizens in Iowa need to grab a flag; a sign; and protest these churches if they are harboring illegal immigrants. Talk to your local and state officials. This is crazy!

Monday, May 19 at 6:38 PM This is Ridiculous! wrote ...

If an American citizen breaks the law would he be able to hide out and talk to reporters about his escape, and be allowed to run free? This is insanity.

Monday, May 19 at 9:58 AM Nanette wrote ...

Round them up and ship them home where they belong.

Sunday, May 18 at 6:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Illegal Immigrations MUST deport this time and give LESS problems for USA. And NEED to stop all lllegal Immigration females who cheat to have anchor babies in USA for free money-welfare and Ill.Imm. mothers got money for free... Not right as they are cheat on us because we pay TAXES for them (welfare) We MUST stop them this time and WHY NOT send all mothers to deport with their kids to countries and save $$$ for USA who born soil of USA or give US Citizens homeless mothers with kids first!

Sunday, May 18 at 5:51 PM Jim wrote ...

These people are really family people and I respect that. This country has its own problems that we need to fix before we help others. We have people here that are suffering and they are our own. And I think its a shame that a church abuses its power. Remember Jesus even suggested, Obey the laws of the land. I have way that we can get the people who are Illegal to either go back home or get citizenship that is humane and just,without treating them like dirt.They are people to And It would work.

Sunday, May 18 at 5:35 PM Jim wrote ...

All I want to say about this, I am all about compassion and showing a heart, but people need to realize Illegal immigrants and I stress Illegal are ruining the States Economy and The Federal Economy. First off some are getting benefits and they don't pay taxes. Thats a free ride costing us millions, second off they are sending money back home that is not going back into our economy thats one of the reasons the dollar is falling. Why you think your taxes are so high you are paying for others

Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 AM Church is a Refuge for All wrote ...

The church has forever been a refuge. Priests and pastors and nuns and sisters have always been a safe place to go with problems. A person can atone for their sins, and priests aren't allowed to break their oath to report illegal acts. I AGREE that the illegals should go home or become citizens the right way AND LEARN ENGLISH. Let's not attack the church and those who have committed their lives to God and to helping all of God's children. Life in Postville before was GREAT - it can be again!

Friday, May 16 at 8:37 PM Jody wrote ...

I bet that church smells great with all those people who have not showered or anything. Wow maybe the stinch will drive them out, oh yeah, they are probably used to it since they live like that in Mexico and the other countries they come from.

Friday, May 16 at 8:34 PM Jody wrote ...

If this man was a real man he would turn himself in, that is what is expected of US citzens that are wanted. Huh?

Friday, May 16 at 5:38 PM Encourage them... wrote ...

Cut the power. Cut the water. Keep anyone from entering because it's now a Crime Area. When they run out of resources, they will come out. There is no law against keeping a crime area clear.

Friday, May 16 at 4:07 PM native american wrote ...

I was born here and I am a 5 th generation American this is my land illegal means just what it says, america is not breaking up families illegals are when they CHOOSE to come here drop a litter and then expect america to foot the bill, this is not people coming to do what americans wont we did those jobs beofre the illegals got here I know I did thme I picked fruit when I was young and I worked construction to pay for school rights gained for me by my america forfathers not some illegal,

Friday, May 16 at 11:33 AM Right on! wrote ...

Anyone who supports the enforcement of LAW needs to gather at that church and protest! It's time for them to STOP coddling lawbreakers. Churches like this need to understand they MUST NOT exploit their tax-exempt status to harbor criminals! Enough!!!

Friday, May 16 at 10:13 AM loulou wrote ...

Well you may be sticking up for these law breakers but when they rape your child, or drive drunk and run over your spouse maybe you will see the light. Look at what is going on in France, Italy, and other countries. They are being bombarded by immigrants who dont want to assimilate. If you do not assimalte you seperate yourself from the mainstream and have your own little group. This is what gangs are. Illegal and legal immigration is killing this country. Look at the statistics.

Friday, May 16 at 10:04 AM pROTEST THIS SATURDAY wrote ...

VOICES , DRINKS AND FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED, AND WE DON'T GET IT FURNISHED BECAUSE WE ARE ILLEGALS, WE PAID FOR IT OURSELVES. PEOPLE FROM MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, AND MISSOURI AND IOWA ARE PLANNING ON ATTENDING, PLEASE JOIN US TOO.

Friday, May 16 at 10:03 AM PROTEST THIS SATURDAY wrote ...

THAT HAVE BROKEN THE FEDERAL LAW OF HARBORING FUGIVTIVES WILL ALSO BE REMOVED IN HANDCUFFS. WHAT GIVES THEM THE RIGHT TO BREAK FEDERAL LAWS, BECAUSE THEY ARE CATHOLIC, IF ANYTHING WHAQT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS COVERED UP IN THE PAST WITH THE CHILD ABUSING PREIESTS THEY SURE HAVE NOT LEARNED THEIR LESSONS AND THIS WILL BE A GREAT OPPURTUNITY TO SEE THEM PAY FOR THEIR OWN CRIMES. PLEASE JOIN US AT 3:30 PM AND THE PROTEST WILL CONTINUE UNTIL 7:30PM. BRING SIGNS LOUDSPEAKERS, AND VERY VERYpART2

Friday, May 16 at 10:02 AM Somebody save ME! wrote ...

As a human being simply trying to make a living, I could use a better life too. That has always been a dream of mine as well. But as a LEGAL citizen, my options seem limited. So what laws can I break to help ME achieve a better life, and what activist groups etc can I count on for assistance?

Friday, May 16 at 10:00 AM PROTESTS SATURDA wrote ...

Just wanted to let all know that a HUGE Protest is planned in front of St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Postville, Iowa in conjunction with the Archbishop JEROME HANUS SHOWING HIS PRESENCE IN SUPPORT OF THE ILLEGAL SUBJECTS!!!!! WE ARE IN SUPPORT OF SHUTING DOWN THAT CATHOLIC CHURCH AND GETTING THE ILLEGALS OUT OF THERE AND WHERE THEY BELONG, IN HANDCUFFS. WORD IS ICE WILL HAVE PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH AND HOPEFULLY THIS MEANS THAT HANUS, SISTER MARY ANDALL OTHER CHURCH SUPPORTERS PARTI

Friday, May 16 at 8:56 AM Rowdy wrote ...

What part of ILLEGAL don't people understand? No sympathy here for those who have no respect for our rule of law! The church should be raided and loose their tax free status! They are aiding and abetting! Enough is enough!

Friday, May 16 at 12:47 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I am happy that ICE raided over 350 Illegal Immigrations from the meatcut factory in Iowa because they were BROKE law as they sneaked USA for free as cheat and steal from Americans (who born in USA) people who need jobs. I am happy they (ICE) will send all them to deport to MEXICO or other counties for good. Yes I am very strongly against Illegal Immigration as I got so tired of them. Because they (Ill.Imm.)did not pay taxes. We (who citizen of USA) have to pay Taxes. Not fair!

Thursday, May 15 at 11:13 PM Anonymous wrote ...

He's probably free because legal Americans who work there helped him hide from ICE agents.

Thursday, May 15 at 11:08 PM proud agriprocessors worker wrote ...

I have been reading the comments posted about all the stories of the raid and see that a lot of people are claiming these immigrants are taking our jobs away from Americans. But honestly how many of you would work in a meat packing plant? Most Americans I'm sorry to say are snobs and think that they are too good to do a job like that. Even if you were in desparate need of a job, I don't believe the majority of you would go work there.

Thursday, May 15 at 9:09 PM Partwerks wrote ...

For those attending that particular church, a good tool of leverage is to let them know that until they quit harboring illegal aliens, that you are NO longer going to put $ in when they pass the hat and sooner or later the light will come on in between their ears. Also if the people in the White House were doing what the American citizens want pertaining to immigration, then we probably wouldn't be having this conversation about illegal aliens.

Thursday, May 15 at 6:43 PM edy wrote ...

im embarresed 4 been living here!!! think about those people and their family wait a little while and see if any american will do the same jobs they did 4 cheap

Thursday, May 15 at 6:23 PM just me wrote ...

If the system worked like it is supposed to most of those illegals would now be legal or working towards becoming legal. One high school students family applied 7 years ago for the citizenship process to begin. They never heard back from their application. So they were never allowed to start the process. And then there is the fact that AgriProcessors do not want them legal because then they would have to pay higher wages and benefits. So they block their efforts to become legal.

Thursday, May 15 at 6:20 PM anonymous wrote ...

The catholic churches house these illegals for the same reasons they have festivals in the summer and have beer tents to raise money when the bible states a drunkard will not inherit the kingdom of God. The God I serve would not house illegals and would not sell beer to make money nor would he molest the children such as the catholic priests have done

Thursday, May 15 at 5:44 PM what do you care... wrote ...

Alright so I'm just going to attract all the ignorant and arrogant people here...which is basically what I'm going for. Want to know a reason why these reporters don't deport them? Ethics. One more? Morals. How about another? Principles. You see that's what it is to be a human being to feel compassion...to be altruistic. But I know you're just going to say "they broke our laws" blah blah blah. Keep it to yourself. We've heard this hundreds of times before...it's called the US government.

Thursday, May 15 at 5:40 PM what now wrote ...

The people of Postville should be seriously concerned about the type of people that will replace the Illegals. These new hires will be the bottom of the barrel folks. You will wishing your town had the Mexicans and Guatamalans back!! Hang out for a while, watch who gets hired to replace the illegals, and then we will hear ALOT of complaining. You will all be locking your doors, day and night. The illegals basically minded there own business, and supported there families.

Thursday, May 15 at 4:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...

ITS PATHETIC THAT THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY AND YET THIS TERRIBLE THING HAS TO HAPPEN. i THINK WE SHOULD LET THEM ALL GO. I FEEL HORRIBLE WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THEM. ITS NOT LIKE THEY ARE CAUSING PROBLEMS THEY ARE HERE TO PROVIDE FOR THIER FAMILIES AND ARE HARD WORKING.

Thursday, May 15 at 3:01 PM Wow, what a story! wrote ...

This "illegal worker's" first-hand account of evasion and escape from the brutal US law enforcement storm troopers has me on the edge of my seat! When will he write a book, make a movie, and appear on Oprah etc?

Thursday, May 15 at 2:08 PM Phila. Dan wrote ...

Hey Who's Land Is This. This is our land. How do you think the Mexicans obtained Texas? Amer. Ind. culture was war. (we won) Slavery was a partof life then. Sad, but true. So practice what preach. Think before you speak.

Thursday, May 15 at 2:04 PM BOTTOM LINE wrote ...

JAIL THE CEO AND OTHER MANAGEMENT AT THE POSTVILLE PLANT. SEND A MESSAGE TO BUSINESS THAT BUSINESS AS USUAL WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! MANAGEMENT SIMPLY TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE ILLEGALS.

Thursday, May 15 at 1:52 PM Cat wrote ...

The people of Pottsville need to contact their elected municipal leaders and ask them why St. Bridget's church is allowed to harbor illegals (which is against federal law) and ask that the church's tax exempt status be revoked. Enough is enough! Americans are getting to the boiling point on the invasion of our country by illegals - Time for another American Revolution!

Thursday, May 15 at 1:40 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Read the court affidavits that resulted in the raid. Based on that, the management of the plant should also be arrested.

Thursday, May 15 at 1:40 PM Central Iowa Man wrote ...

Hey Melendez, Try to learn the English language if you want to be here. And sister.... Cry to someone else. I was catholic once... Thank God I am longer practicing that faith based on a number of reasons.

Thursday, May 15 at 1:20 PM Do your job ICE wrote ...

Go get these illegals that got away. If reporters can find them, get over there and deport them asap, make them pay a hefty fine too before deportation to help us tax payers pay for them

Thursday, May 15 at 12:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...

ICE needs to go into the church and grab these law breakers by the hair and deport them. They also need to take the tax exempt status away from the church and jail anybody giving shelter to these law breakers. Get a clue people, illegal means against the law

Thursday, May 15 at 12:17 PM Who's Land is this? wrote ...

Most of Texas was once Old Mexico. We stole that from them right after we took this land from the Native Americans. Unless your a Native American, you don't have a right to be on this ground either.Maybe they should tell us to get out! BTW, we also brought in people from African, enslaved them, set them free, and then lynched 100s after we didn't need their labor anymore. Lets think before we speak!

Thursday, May 15 at 12:06 PM Money wrote ...

The money i give the church every week i hoped was going to be used for the people in my area who are poor and out of jobs. It would be very smart move for the church to let the goverment just do their job.

Thursday, May 15 at 12:03 PM Bottom line wrote ...

Bottom lne is nobody wants the jobs these people do, at any wage. If these raids continue throught the USA meat packing industries , be prepared to pay 15-20 dollars per pound for hamburger, 8-10 dollars for a head of lettuce, and extremly high prices for all produce. Blame the Goverment for this, they are the ones who can and need to seal up the border. It is as much fault of our Gov. as it is anyones! It wasn't long ago when we treated African American the same way! learn to love not hate!

Thursday, May 15 at 12:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Luck from god that your free???? Doesn't the immigrants and the church relize this is the money that i give every week for my own personal use. This is just great now i cann't even enjoy peace in my own chruch that i USED TO SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 11:39 AM what's wrong wrote ...

what's wrong with this? the federal government made it easy for american companies to operate in mexico, so many jobs went to mexico, the prices of those goods did not drop, but the labor did. now we have illegal aliens coming to the U.S. taking jobs that would normally support americans. when you live 10 people to a mobile home, you can afford to send 75 percent of your money to your starving families! just an idea, move back home and get a job in one of the amreican companies there

Thursday, May 15 at 11:35 AM educated wrote ...

It's sad that we take advantage of these low wage workers for so long, and then when we don't need them anymore, we make it our duty to treat them horribly and turn their lives upside down! Have a heart people. This is a sad situation! No one should be treated as these people are. Life isn't always all about money and tax dollars ....

Thursday, May 15 at 11:33 AM Educated wrote ...

Hey! Has anyone ever thought about the hand this country has in the problem we currently have. You can't just let these people come into our country and work for 50 years or so, then say opps, you can't stay anymore. Were not going to enforce the decision, but we expect the all of you people to go back to your poor countries without second guessing it. We havn't allowed this type of worker program for YEARS, but it's just recently when our economy takes a hit that we are doing something about it

Thursday, May 15 at 10:56 AM Randy wrote ...

Close our borders and get these invaders outa here..They lowered my wages in construction to where I am at poverty level. I heard 20 years ago those meatcutting jobs paid Americans about 20 dollars an hour. Until the illegals came and depressed the wages..

Thursday, May 15 at 10:43 AM Try this in another country wrote ...

Sneak into another country illegally, perhaps mexico. Steal someones identity, get a fake drivers license. Then get caught. What do you think the federales would do to you? How would you be treated? Would you get a fair trial? Or would you rot in a mexican prison.

Thursday, May 15 at 10:17 AM Brad wrote ...

I have NO problem with immgration. Immigration means that you go through the proper channels to become a citizen the LEGAL way. If you want to come to this country that way, come on over. But don't get mad at us when we cath illegals and send them packing. It is illegal, we have a judical system in this country, and you know that before you sneak in, that why you hide from ICE. So don't be mad if ICE sends you home. File papers and come here legally, Iowa will welcome you and you family.

Thursday, May 15 at 10:04 AM Gee, what a hero wrote ...

Another illegal makes it to the church safe zone! Wooohoooo!

Thursday, May 15 at 9:53 AM ??? wrote ...

Why can't ICE go into the church???

Thursday, May 15 at 9:52 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Where is the Cardinals now? They got one fiasco to work with in a century they think that is enough? If we protestants were harboring illegal aliens in our churches, parish council, pastor, congretation would be in jail.

Thursday, May 15 at 9:50 AM Observant wrote ...

If this man had been a burglar or a rapist or a carjacker, would this newspaper be writing a sob story about his lucky escape from the law? No. But after all, all crimes are committed to get money and "live a better life.' Why are illegal aliens the "loveable lawbreakers" and this newspaper feels so bad for them?

Thursday, May 15 at 9:41 AM Anonymous wrote ...

just don't think it's ok what the us is doing this people only come for a better living and to have better education they don't come to ask YOU ANYTHING or take ur job. Well they are using "our tax dollars" to educate their children. And those "jobs and schools" belong to this country and the last time I looked we did not put out an ad that said "all may apply." Our laws say "you must be a legal resident to work here." Grow up and stop being imbecilic.

Thursday, May 15 at 9:33 AM Get a clue wrote ...

To the comment posted at 953. ICE and other law enforcement agencies can not raid a church or a shcool. Keep on helping the immigrants. Every single person in America is an immigrant. If you want them to be legal, then help them out. This is no longer an issue about legal or not. It is about racism. Even if they all were legal, you all would still be mad because they are of a different nationality.

Thursday, May 15 at 9:28 AM DUH wrote ...

In response to the comment posted at 11:17. There was not a meth lab in Agri. The search warrant stated that there was on previously. Well guess what, there never was. They made that up because that was the only way they could get a search warrant to come in here. I know this for a fact. I work there.

Thursday, May 15 at 9:21 AM What the ?????? wrote ...

I do feel sorry for the children. BUT...It is against the law to be here illegally. Why does everyone think we should turn our backs and just let them go? If thats the case then the next time I get a speeding ticket or something I will ask the officer to just "turn his back and let me go" because I shouldn`t have to follow the rules. I bet if these people were sneaking in from Iraq you wouldn`t be turning your back!

Thursday, May 15 at 9:11 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Is this illegal to help them hide?

Thursday, May 15 at 8:47 AM Anonymous wrote ...

how can all of you that these people are here on all of your tax dollars?? they are all working for a living and trying to make a better life for their children who otherwise might not even be able to go to school. all you people are jsut greedy and dont wanna share our country w/ others. and who do you think does all the jobs that you people think are beneath any of you???

Thursday, May 15 at 8:36 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I think that the owners of the plant are at fault for this happening they are the ones that paid for the illegals to move to Postville. They obviously know that the illegals are illegal. They know that the office staff finds social security numbers for them. I think they need to arrest the owners, managers, accountants, and anyone who helped the immigrants get jobs here in Postville.

Thursday, May 15 at 8:36 AM SEND EM BACK!!! wrote ...

Come here legal or not at all! If you're not here legally you should have ZERO rights. Heather Marie is as smart as a rock! Most american's go to other countries legally which is different. If they go there illegally then send em back here, I don't care! Get a CLUE!

Thursday, May 15 at 8:35 AM DJ wrote ...

Bait him with a 15 year old white girl acting like she wants to have sex with him - he'll be out of that church faster than you could imagine. I've seen it happen too many times to count. Those of you supporting them clearly aren't familiar with what Postville and its surrounding community once were and what it has now become. 20 yrs ago it was just like any other small IA town. Today it is the place we avoid at all costs. To you supporters, post your SSN's here. It'll save them some time

Thursday, May 15 at 8:34 AM RS wrote ...

ICE should go to the chruch and finish the job, and while there take the priest into custody for harboring aiding and abeting a criminal conspiricy.

Thursday, May 15 at 8:26 AM fed up wrote ...

I hold up a bank and run in a Church the law can't come get me WOW THATS A THOUGHT!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 8:14 AM Leo wrote ...

I am sick to death of the reporters making ICE out to be the bad guy. The kids are the PARENTS problem...not the US taxpayers. If an AMERICAN gets arrested...the cop DOES NOT ask if "they have any kids and can someone pick them up". The ICE program bends over backwards to help the illegals get help. The church should be no longer tax exempt because they are helping criminals escape the law. Go to court and see how many judges let AMERICAN law breakers go free to pick kids up from school.

Thursday, May 15 at 7:41 AM Jody wrote ...

People need to flood the Archdiocese of Dubuque with complaints. You can find contact info under the Archdiocese on the web. Also what about TV9 they should be held accountable for reporting with all the mexican lovers and not reporting the TRUE story., Go read the affadavit. You will b e surprised at all the allegations against this company. Now they are busing in more illegals from Nebraska and New York to keep running. They need ICE back to make a stand against Rubakshakin.

Thursday, May 15 at 7:31 AM Jerry Jobes wrote ...

Thumbs Up to ICE. Thumbs Down St. Bridget Catholic Church.

Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 AM Anonymous wrote ...

what you people do not know is that it is almost impossible to come here through legal channels. It takes years. And, once they are here, they face the risk of deportation tying to change their illegal status through the proper chanels. Don't they deserve the same life we do? Or, should they stay in their home countries, making 50 cents an hour? Just because they were not born here, doens't mean they don't deserve a chance. That's why our ancestors came here. To make a life for themselves

Thursday, May 15 at 7:29 AM Dave wrote ...

I must be missing something here. Nearly everything I've seen and heard on the news is reporting about the emotions and feelings associated with gathering up/arresting these "poor and unfortunate people" who ILLEGALLY entered this country, ILLEGALLY got themselves employed and ILLEGALLY (in many cases) engaged in fraudulent activities - including identity theft! These people are criminals and should be shipped back to their countries immediately! Case closed...

Thursday, May 15 at 7:14 AM Let's Get Tough!!! wrote ...

Come on, people! Why are we having sympathy for these aliens? We would be treated much worse in foreign countries if we were illegal. Why are we defacing ourselves and allowing this to happen? Get all of the illegals out of here and let things happen as they will. Postville, you should have known better; Even your mayor said so! And News 9, quit slanting the story to make the illegals look like victims! We citizens are the victims!!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 7:11 AM Chrissy wrote ...

Kudos to the ICE Agents! The fact of the matter is that they ALL broke the law by being here illegally. This is America and if they think this is such a great place and are scared of getting deported, maybe they should follow the rules do it the right way and learn to speak english. I don't feel sorry for any of them, every last one of them should be deported.

Thursday, May 15 at 7:07 AM DC to Heather Marie wrote ...

Yes we go over seas but we are not stealing identies of other people!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 6:33 AM HIDE & SEEK wrote ...

Thats the way i whould want to live my life, playing hide and seek from the "ICE" Dear Melendez do us all legal tax paying AMERICANS a fav.and turn your self in. Come on out of the church with your hands held hi. I am prode that Iowa is "maybe" leading the charge to take back our country. I hope that everyone in D.C. is paying attention! P.S. muscatine and west union beware!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 AM Old Guy wrote ...

HMMMM! They have broken the law and a federal Law. Deport them, Give them their day in court and deport them. Period. Why should they be above the law? I am not above the laws. Great Job law enforcement. Keep up the good work. We are a nation of law biding citizens not law breakers. The law is good and needs enforced you bleeding hearts.

Thursday, May 15 at 5:04 AM Casey wrote ...

I wish they would let these illegal workers who are willing to work stay here in the United States. I would like to see them ship the dead beat Americans who sit home and collect their wellfare check instead of getting a job out of the country.

Thursday, May 15 at 4:34 AM Anony. wrote ...

This is a joke, The Churche's are doing the wrong thing by "protecting" these people. Hopefully ICE will go finish the job.

Thursday, May 15 at 2:53 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Throw them on a bus, take them across the boarder, and drop them off in their own country!

Thursday, May 15 at 2:09 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Ok Iowa mob rule... lets walk into our church, and take the criminals out to the police. This is our fight, let's take back our country!

Thursday, May 15 at 1:51 AM blabs wrote ...

it's nice that the postville school is having the kids write a petition. Oh wait, the kids of illegals are going to school on our tax dollars. Meanwhile in other parts of the state they are closing schools due to lack of funding. Send them all back!!! Let them come back when they can do things the legal way!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 12:24 AM Doug wrote ...

Heather Marie, well maybe they can use your social security number and ruin your credit. I like how the media is potraying the police are the bad ones here. I dont care if they are here, if they are legally here. I think we should allow all the buglars out too, I mean, they are trying to make a living too. DUHHH!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 12:21 AM Time for ICE to go to Church wrote ...

If the Church is knowingly hiding illegal aliens then they should be charged with aiding and abetting these criminals. Maybe if the Church doesn't comply then the Government should take away their tax free status, then see how fast they offer these criminals up for prosecution. I do feel sorry for the kids involved in this but their parents have chosen to break the law they need to face the consequences. I'm sure there are plenty of parents in prison, and those families had to be separated too.

Thursday, May 15 at 12:00 AM Wake up! wrote ...

In response to Ms Marie: When "American citizens go over seas and move there all the time" they do so through the proper channels. In other words they are not ILLEGAL immigrants! Immigrants living here isn't the problem, Illegal immigrants living here is!

Wednesday, May 14 at 11:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

More to the story than we've been told thus far. Employer was paying many $5/hour, employing children as young as nine, and the ICE agents believed there were triple the numbers of illegal immegrants working than were arrested (they hit one shift, could not hit all three for obvious reasons). Agents discovered a meth lab in the facility during the raid. I would not be surprised to see charges against the company owners, managers, and citizens knowlingly involved in this event.

Wednesday, May 14 at 11:07 PM D wrote ...

I know that a church cares for people when they are in need, but how can they set up a sanctuary for people who break the law? Does that mean that any person who has broken the law for any reason, such as rape, murder, assault can avoid being arrested by going to a church? Something doesn't seem right about that. These people can't stay in that church forever, will someone be waiting at the door to make arrests when they try to leave? Isn't there a law against harboring a fugitive/s?

Wednesday, May 14 at 11:05 PM Chris wrote ...

Eduardo Melendez is a coward! Hide in Agriprocessors and then hide behind the bible so you can stay in our country illegally. I hope ICE finds you soon my friend!

Wednesday, May 14 at 11:02 PM SAM wrote ...

THEY ARE IN OUR COUNTRY ILLEGALLY! WHY IS THE CHURCH ABLE TO KEEP THEM THERE? IF THEY WANT TO HELP PEOPLE IN NEED, THERE ARE PLENTY OF FAMILIES IN NEED AND/OR HOMELESS THAT ARE US CITIZENS. HELP THEM!!!!!! THEY ARE BREAKING OUR LAWS. NEXT THING WE KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO HOLD SOMEONE WHO JUST KILLED SOMEONE OR PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY FEEL SORRY FOR THEM. GIVE ME A BREAK.....

Wednesday, May 14 at 10:54 PM iplay wrote ...

dang i served this ountry for the people of this country not for the people who come in and rob us blind by takeing jobs that belong to americans no wonder our unemployment is so high lets hire these clowns for $1.00 or less an hour and make the companys even richer

Wednesday, May 14 at 10:54 PM Lisa wrote ...

God bless this man he only came here to work and provide for his family. I know he is illegal but becoming legal is not easy its extremely expensive and takes very long in some cases it takes up to ten years! I support these hard workers and i am willing to help!!!

Wednesday, May 14 at 10:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...

i just don't think it's ok what the us is doing this people only come for a better living and to have better education they don't come to ask YOU ANYTHING or take ur job there is jobs for everyone they do the jobs you don't want to do for little money 6 dlls an hour.don't be ignorant think about ur family and those who u love and think that u don't want anyone to harm them the some they. you don't have idea how is like to leave ur family back thre and even die in the way just to get here.

Wednesday, May 14 at 10:27 PM Michael wrote ...

The first sentence says it all. Are we to allow any criminal to "hide from the law" in a church? If I enter a country ilegally, forge documents, steal someones identity and get caught I expect some form of punishment. Perhaps it would make more sense to come here legally. Then my children would not have to make a sign begging for their family to not be taken away. Sheltering criminals enables criminals. Compassion sometimes takes the form of facing reality. It's really easy, become a citizen.

Wednesday, May 14 at 10:24 PM WaterlooGUY wrote ...

So the Church in Postville is harboring an illegal immigrant or several. So why are the ICE or Police not at the Chruch arresting them along with anyone that is harboring them. I really do feel sorry for all of them BUT the are here illegally so they need to go home. They should have thought about what could happen if they get caught. I am really getting Pi$$ed off with the way these people think they can walk all over our laws!!! They had better Close down agriproccessors jail the owners!!!!

Wednesday, May 14 at 10:17 PM Tom wrote ...

WOW America we are becoming a joke to the rest of the world. They see us allowing all the illegals to work and have more rights than the people who are born and raised here. When is the Gov. going to get their heads out of their backsides and take care of the American English speaking people. Quit taking care of everyone else. My ancesters had to do the proper paperwork and learn the language. It is really discouraging that others just get a free ride. Enough is enough.

Wednesday, May 14 at 10:11 PM Heather Marie wrote ...

I don't think it is a bad thing for illegal immigrants to live here. American citizens go over seas and move there all the time and than american citizens start working over seas also. We don't think about what the people over seas living there think of us working in their country. Illegal immigrants are ust trying to support their families just like we do and try to live their life like humans jsut like anyone else. There is more important things to worry about than who is working or living her

Wednesday, May 14 at 10:01 PM Jayme wrote ...

I think if these immigrants come into this country they should follow all the rules, and atleast speak fluent english. If they all did things the legal way none of them would be scared and wouldn't have to be hiding from anything.

Wednesday, May 14 at 9:55 PM WHAT???? wrote ...

lock him up! Every one complains that the state and country has no money. That is because it is all going to Guatemala!

Wednesday, May 14 at 9:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

why don't the ICE agents go to the church and finish the job? Also they should hit muscatine and west union.

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