News Summary
A federal immigration raid at Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato, New York, resulted in the detention of approximately 60 employees. Over 100 agents used various tactics, including forced entry, to conduct the operation impacting operations at the facility. Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the raid, emphasizing its negative effects on immigrant families. The business co-owner stated adherence to federal labor laws, while questions arose regarding the treatment of workers during the operation. This incident is part of a wider enforcement action affecting immigrant communities.
Cato, New York — A federal immigration raid at Nutrition Bar Confectioners on Thursday morning led to the detention of approximately 60 employees. Over 100 immigration agents were on site at the family-run nutrition bar manufacturing facility, employing various entry tactics, including forcible entry with crowbars.
The raid, which lasted several hours, significantly disrupted operations at the plant as agents surrounded the premises and sealed the exits. Workers, particularly those of Hispanic descent, were questioned about their countries of origin and their legal right to work in the United States. The operation took place concurrently with a separate, larger enforcement action in Ellabell, Georgia, where 475 workers, predominantly Korean nationals, were detained on suspicions of unlawful residency or employment.
This operation marks one of the most sizable immigration sweeps conducted under the Trump administration, targeting industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, such as manufacturing and agriculture. Reports indicated that employees with valid work permits were taken into custody regardless of necessary documentation, while some employees were allowed to return to work shortly after the raid concluded.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has publicly condemned the raid as a harsh intrusion upon immigrant families, arguing that it undermines the stability and growth of hardworking individuals endeavoring to carve out a future in the United States. Despite the disruption, operations at Nutrition Bar Confectioners resumed at a reduced capacity post-raid.
The co-owner of the business, Lenny Schmidt, recounted arriving at the facility to discover a substantial federal presence already in place. Schmidt expressed that the business, which has been in operation since 1978, adheres to all federal labor laws and actively verifies employee documentation. The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office provided support during the operation by managing perimeter security and traffic, although it clarified that it does not enforce civil immigration laws as per New York State statutes and only aimed to ensure public safety.
During the raid, agents reportedly interrogated workers about their immigration status without presenting warrants or clear justifications for their presence. One Guatemalan national, a legal resident, highlighted that the agents immediately approached workers, demanding identification without explanation. Additional details regarding the federal search warrant executed at Nutrition Bar Confectioners are expected as the investigation progresses, which is part of an ongoing inquiry into felony-level offenses.
In sum, the immigration raid at Nutrition Bar Confectioners has not only resulted in significant employee detentions but has also raised questions regarding the treatment of workers within the facility and the broader impact on immigrant communities in New York. The situation continues to evolve as authorities assess the outcomes of this massive enforcement sweep.
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HERE Resources
ICE Raids Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato, NY
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Additional Resources
- Syracuse.com: Residents in Strongly Republican Cato Surprised by ICE Raid
- Reuters: Dozens Detained in US Immigration Raids
- CNY Central: Community Uncertain After Cato Factory Raid
- Wikipedia: Immigration Enforcement in the United States
- Finger Lakes Daily News: Cayuga County Sheriff Details Role in Cato ICE Raid
- Google Search: ICE raids in New York
- Syracuse.com: Federal Agents Raid Nutrition Bar Manufacturing Plant
- Google Scholar: Immigration Raids Impact on Communities
- Syracuse.com: More Than 40 People Detained in ICE Raid
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration in the United States
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.
