Five workers arrested during a federal immigration raid at a Cayuga County factory are now facing charges for illegally reentering the United States, prosecutors said.
The charges follow a major enforcement operation last week at Nutrition Bar Confectioners in the town of Ira. More than 50 federal agents took part in the raid, led by Homeland Security Investigations.
Defendants previously deported, officials say
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the five workers had previously been deported and returned to the country without authorization. They were processed at a Border Patrol station in Oswego County.
Those facing charges are:
- Alex Ben Chipin, also known as Alex Ben-Chiping, Alex Bing-Chiping, and Antonio Lopez-Mendez, 39, of Guatemala
- Argentina Juarez-Lopez, 50, of Guatemala
- Luis Jom-Morales, 27, of Guatemala
- Gregorio Baldemar Ramirez-Perez, 45, of Guatemala
- Francisco Salvardo-Mora, 22, of Mexico
Each faces up to 2 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and up to 1 year of supervised release.
Larger investigation underway
Federal prosecutors say the raid targeted unauthorized workers, but also signaled a broader effort. Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone confirmed that an investigation into the employer is ongoing.
“To employers across the Northern District of New York, heed this warning,” Sarcone said. “There will be consequences.”
Of the 230 employees questioned during the raid, 69 were detained. According to local advocates, at least two have already been deported. About 10 workers were released and have returned to their jobs, the factory’s owner told The Citizen newspaper.
No proof yet Cato raid detainees have criminal pasts
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have yet to show any of them had violent records, according to WSYR, which prompted additional scrutiny.
Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone confirmed no evidence of past violence, despite federal claims of targeting “the worst of the worst.” He warned more workplace raids are likely.
Wife pleads for return of husband deported after Cato raid
A Cato woman says she watched ICE agents take her husband during last week’s factory raid — and now she’s begging for his return, according to WSYR.
Her husband, Eddie, had lived in the U.S. for 20 years and was working to legalize his status. Despite a pending motion to reopen his immigration case, he was deported to Guatemala. Their children, she says, are devastated and struggling emotionally.
Their lawyer argues the process lacked due process and violated rights.
More deportations expected
Advocates with the Workers Center of Central New York are tracking the cases of 45 others still in custody and say more deportations may have already taken place.
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