Rally held in support of 25 Edison warehouse workers detained by ICE
Those employees are being held at detention centers in Newark and Elizabeth.
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Twenty-five workers at the warehouse for Alba Wine and Spirits in Edison were arrested following a raid by federal agents.
One week later, News 12 heard that those residents are still being detained and so far are being denied help by their employer. Photos of some of those 25 workers were on display at a rally for them and their families outside of The Reformed Church of Highland Park.
Those employees are being held at detention centers in Newark and Elizabeth.
When taken into custody, many only had work permits. Their families say their loved ones’ identification and immigration documents were at their homes.
RELATED: Around 15 people detained in ICE raid at Edison warehouse, workers say
In order to be freed or avoid deportation, they’ll need to show their documentation and a reference from Alba Wine. But to this point, those families say the employer isn’t willing to help.
“These are not violent people, these are not criminals. These are your neighbors, these are your friends,” said Amanda Dominguez, of the organization New Labor.
Carlos Castaneda works with an immigrant rights organization called DIRE.
He told the crowd on hand, “Let’s make sure warehouse owners are accountable to the employees they hire every day. Those who they profit from and make millions off.”
Those 25 who have been detained have a hearing before a judge on Monday.
A spokesperson for Alba Wine and Spirits told News 12 in a statement, “Unfortunately, as we have seen everywhere around the country, several temporary workers assigned through third-party staffing agencies were arrested. Our hearts go out to them and their families during this incredibly difficult time, these are hardworking people, fundamental for the functioning of our country’s infrastructure.”
