Labor Union Resolution
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Article
backWhitewater Raid: The First Anniversary of a Tragedy
On August 8, 2006, Star Packaging in Whitewater, Wisconsin, was raided by ICE and local police. 25 workers and the owner were arrested.
The decision of a racist police officer to take on an immigration role set a tragedy in motion. The raid has cost nearly 100 jobs and charges of identity theft have been brought against the company owner and several workers.
Today, Whitewater is still feeling the pain. The first anniversary was a chance for people to come together.
Arriving, we saw yellow banners with messages such as “It is not a crime to work” and many wooden crosses symbolizing the people that had died trying to cross the border seeking a better life. A press conference was held in which a mock historical plaque was unveiled. The marker read: “Star Packaging: A Monument to a Broken Immigration System.” The monument represents the hope that one day an official historical marker will stand there recognizing the courageous struggles and the persons who fell victim to our unjust system. We recognized generations of struggles before of us against slavery, segregation, and for labor rights, that in their time were considered violations of the law; yet our values for humanity prevailed as they will for the current struggle.
Luz Huitron, one of the affected workers said, “I cannot remain silent because it is not a crime to work and support our families. The laws are unjust and they are the ones that are violating God’s law because God created this earth for all human beings not just for one race. I pray that God moves the hearts of those in power to pass just laws and to stop the raids that are separating families.”
Roberto López from Pueblo Sin Fronteras in Chicago sent a message of solidarity from Elvira Arellano, who has been in sanctuary for almost a year in a Methodist church, and the workers from IFCO, a Chicago company that was raided last year.
Jorge Islas of Sigma America said that we have to keep feeding the fire because we are the only ones that are going to do it and we need change now, not years from now.
The event closed with music and prayers.
The decision of a racist police officer to take on an immigration role set a tragedy in motion. The raid has cost nearly 100 jobs and charges of identity theft have been brought against the company owner and several workers.
Today, Whitewater is still feeling the pain. The first anniversary was a chance for people to come together.
Arriving, we saw yellow banners with messages such as “It is not a crime to work” and many wooden crosses symbolizing the people that had died trying to cross the border seeking a better life. A press conference was held in which a mock historical plaque was unveiled. The marker read: “Star Packaging: A Monument to a Broken Immigration System.” The monument represents the hope that one day an official historical marker will stand there recognizing the courageous struggles and the persons who fell victim to our unjust system. We recognized generations of struggles before of us against slavery, segregation, and for labor rights, that in their time were considered violations of the law; yet our values for humanity prevailed as they will for the current struggle. Luz Huitron, one of the affected workers said, “I cannot remain silent because it is not a crime to work and support our families. The laws are unjust and they are the ones that are violating God’s law because God created this earth for all human beings not just for one race. I pray that God moves the hearts of those in power to pass just laws and to stop the raids that are separating families.”
Roberto López from Pueblo Sin Fronteras in Chicago sent a message of solidarity from Elvira Arellano, who has been in sanctuary for almost a year in a Methodist church, and the workers from IFCO, a Chicago company that was raided last year.
Jorge Islas of Sigma America said that we have to keep feeding the fire because we are the only ones that are going to do it and we need change now, not years from now.
The event closed with music and prayers.
Myths & Facts
Myth: Immigrants to Wisconsin do not want to assimilate
Fact: In 2006, 42.6 percent of Wisconsin's foreign born population were naturalized citizens. Many more applicants for citizenship are facing long processing delays.
Get more of the facts >>
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