The former Michael Bianco factory where 361 illegal immigrants were rounded up by federal immigration agents in 2007. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
The sixth anniversary of the raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents that rounded up 361 suspected illegal immigrants at a leather goods factory is being marked with a prayer vigil, fasting and more.
The ICE raid on March 6, 2007 on the Michael Bianco factory, a defense contractor, separated families, sent many workers back to their countries, primarily in Central America, and send shock waves throughout the community.
Each year, there have been vigils, fasting and other remembrances of the raid in New Bedford, but this year, the observance planned by immigrants and activists comes as Congress and the White House talk about fashioning a package of comprehensive immigration reforms.
“It really called attention in New Bedford but around the world to the need to deal with immigration in a proactive, constructive way,” said Rev. Christopher Morck, Priest in Charge of Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford, which is hosting the kick-off to the weekend of events to mark the anniversary of the raid.
The events are being organized with the help of the Massachusetts Community Action Network, and Tomas Gonzalez of the group said they are hoping that the anniversary of the Michael Bianco raid and others will help to spur leaders in Washington D.C. to adopt reforms.
“Politicians always want to be reelected, and if they’re going to take the Latino vote seriously at some point in their lives, it should be now,” he said.
David Rolando Oliva of El Salvador stands in chains to mark the ICE raid on New
Bedford’s Michael Bianco leather factory in 2007. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
