Sheriff Brian Schenck issued a new statement Friday addressing community reaction to his office’s role in last week’s federal immigration raid at Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Ira.
The Sept. 4 raid involved more than 50 federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and resulted in 69 workers being detained. Five of those workers have since been charged with illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations, federal prosecutors said. Each faces up to two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release.
Sheriff: Only traffic, perimeter support provided
Schenck confirmed that his deputies assisted at the request of U.S. Border Patrol by providing perimeter security and traffic safety. He emphasized that their role was limited and tied to a longstanding 2009 agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and Border Patrol.
“Over the past week, I have communicated with a number of people via telephone, email, and in person regarding this event,” Schenck said. “There have been many questions and concerns. What brought us there? What was our role? Two individuals shared the direct impact that immigration enforcement that day had on local families as a result. Some expressed concern for other businesses in our community that rely on this population for labor.”
Sheriff: “I hear you”
The sheriff said the primary reason for releasing his latest statement was to show he is listening.
“The Sheriff’s Office belongs to the people we serve, and your feedback is critical,” Schenck said. “Until [HSI’s] investigation is concluded, know that I am listening. I understand your concerns and the current critical role that the migrant workforce in our community serves. Moreover, I understand the impact that this enforcement has on real people. Both those directly impacted and those close to them. Regardless of one’s position on these issues, this cannot be overlooked.”
Larger investigation still underway
Federal prosecutors say the enforcement action signaled a broader crackdown. Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone confirmed that an investigation into the employer is ongoing and warned other businesses to “heed this warning.”
Advocates with the Workers Center of Central New York say they are tracking the cases of dozens of others still in custody and expect additional deportations. Families in Cayuga County have already described being torn apart, including one Cato woman whose husband of 20 years was deported to Guatemala last week despite a pending immigration case.
Schenck closed his letter by reiterating that his office’s mission remains focused on local public safety. “Addressing public safety, investigating criminal activity, and holding those that commit crime accountable are priorities for our Sheriff’s Office at the local level,” he wrote.
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