News Summary
A federal immigration raid at Cato’s Nutrition Bar Confectioners resulted in the detention of nearly one-third of its workforce. Conducted by ICE agents, the operation targeted employees suspected of immigration violations. Many arrested were Hispanic, raising concerns of ethnic targeting. The factory’s operations were halted, leaving employees uncertain about their job security and future. The Schmidt brothers, owners of the factory, expressed their shock at the federal actions, vowing to support affected workers. Local authorities confirmed that the raid was part of an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security into potential felony crimes.
Cato, New York – A significant federal immigration raid took place at Cato’s Nutrition Bar Confectioners factory on Thursday, resulting in the detention of nearly one-third of the workforce. The operation, conducted by over 50 agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies, began around 9 a.m. and targeted employees suspected of immigration violations.
The factory, which employs approximately 220 individuals, saw around 70 workers taken into custody during the raid. Many of those detained were Hispanic, raising concerns among employees who claimed that agents specifically targeted workers based on their ethnic background. In several instances, detained individuals had valid government documentation in their vehicles but were unable to access these documents before being taken away.
As a result of the raid, the factory was closed for the remainder of Thursday but resumed operations the following day with a significantly reduced workforce. Employees returned to find their colleagues missing, and many were left uncertain about their future employment. Those who had been taken into custody included individuals who had been released after a short time, but others remained in detention, with unclear prospects for their return to work.
The Schmidt brothers, who own the factory and have operated the business for nearly 50 years, expressed shock and terror over the raid, emphasizing that a federal action of this nature had never occurred in their tenure. They have conveyed their intention to support affected employees and their families during this challenging time, recognizing the profound impact on their community.
Local law enforcement also confirmed that the raid was part of an ongoing investigation led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security into unspecified felony crimes. Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck reported that the actions undertaken by federal agents included breaking down doors and detaining individuals who appeared distressed, shedding light on the aggressive nature of the operation.
The aftermath of the raid has raised concerns about staffing shortages, as the incident has left many employees questioning whether to return to their jobs given the trauma of the situation. The Schmidt brothers have acknowledged that while returning workers possess valuable skills and training, the rapid establishment of vacant positions could pose significant challenges for the factory’s operations moving forward.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the federal actions, describing them as “cruel” for their impact on families and questioning the effectiveness of such measures in improving public safety. Amid heightened tension surrounding the raid, community support for the Schmidt family has emerged, as local residents have expressed solidarity with the affected workers.
As of now, details regarding the specific nature of the investigation and the crimes being explored remain undisclosed, as an ICE spokesperson has declined to comment further. The situation at Cato’s Nutrition Bar Confectioners continues to develop, with employees anxiously awaiting clarity on their employment status and the overall impact of the raid on the factory environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Agents Conduct Raid on Cato Snack Bar Manufacturer
Federal Agents Conduct Raid at Nutrition Bar Confectioners
Significant Immigration Raid at Nutrition Bar Confectioners
ICE Raids Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato, NY
Additional Resources
- Syracuse.com: Owners of Central NY Factory Raided
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Federal Immigration Raid
- Syracuse.com: More than 40 People Detained in ICE Raid
- Google Search: Federal Immigration Enforcement
- Syracuse.com: 400 Contractors Pack Syracuse Hotel
- Google News: Central NY Factory Raid
- Syracuse.com: Federal Agents Raid Nutrition Bar Plant
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
