News Summary

In Cato, New York, federal agents from ICE conducted a large-scale raid on Nutrition Bar Confectioners, detaining around 70 workers. The raid suspended factory operations, raising concerns about its impact on families and the local community. Despite the owners adhering to hiring laws, the incident led to emotional distress among affected families. New York’s Governor and local officials have expressed their concerns over the raid’s methods and its implications on the workforce.

Cato, N.Y. – Federal Agents Conduct Massive Raid on Snack Bar Manufacturer, Detaining Dozens of Workers

Federal agents conducted a significant raid on Nutrition Bar Confectioners, a snack bar manufacturing plant in Cato, New York, on Thursday morning, detaining approximately 70 workers as part of a broader investigation. The operation, carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents alongside local law enforcement, began around 9 a.m. and involved over 50 officials.

The Schmidt family, who owns the plant, stated that their hiring practices have always complied with federal laws. With a workforce of 150 employees, the company has been operational for nearly 50 years, producing nutrition bars around the clock. Following the raid, operations at the factory were temporarily suspended but have since resumed, albeit with a significantly reduced workforce.

Details of the Raid

During the raid, officials detained around 70 employees, primarily those who identified as Hispanic. Reports indicate that some of the detained workers possessed government documents confirming their legal status. However, they were not permitted to retrieve these documents during the incident.

Impact on Families and Community

The fallout from the raid has been profound, particularly for the families of detained workers. Several children were reportedly left at home alone due to the sudden detention of their parents. Community members have expressed concerns, particularly regarding the emotional distress experienced by the employees and their families during and after the operation.

Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck confirmed his department’s support in the raid, while local officials have varied in their reports of the number of individuals detained, estimating figures of over 40 to as many as 70. Advocates have highlighted that many of those detained are originally from Guatemala and have been employed at the plant for eight to ten years, contributing valuable skills to the company.

Government Response and Ongoing Investigations

New York Governor Kathy Hochul voiced outrage over the raid, pointing out its severe impact on local families, especially those with children. Furthermore, State Senator Rachel May expressed skepticism towards the methods employed in the raid, calling attention to the lack of transparency surrounding the government’s investigation.

The investigation itself is part of a broader operation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, although specifics regarding the nature of any alleged felony crimes remain undisclosed. The Schmidt brothers have emphasized their commitment to thorough employee vetting and compliance with labor laws, stating that this incident is unprecedented in their nearly five-decade history of business.

Community and Economic Considerations

The workforce reductions are projected to potentially halve the plant’s production capabilities, presenting significant challenges for the Schmidt family and the local economy. Despite the ongoing disruptions, there has been notable community support for the Schmidt family, with some individuals even applying for positions at the plant following the raid.

As the situation continues to develop, concerns regarding human impact and economic implications remain at the forefront of discussions within the community. The long-term effects on the workforce, family structures, and local business operations will be closely monitored as stakeholders await further clarity from authorities regarding the investigation.

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Additional Resources

• New York Times: Immigration Raid in New York
• Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
• ABC News: Upstate New York Immigration Raid
• Google Search: Immigration Raid New York
• CNN: Cato New York Immigration Raid
• Google Scholar: Immigration Enforcement Raids
• Syracuse.com: Central NY Factory Raided
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration

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.