May 20, 2008

CHICAGO – In response to the May 12 federal immigration raid at a meat processing plant in Postville, Iowa, the Rev. Steven L. Ullestad, bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Northeastern Iowa Synod, said, "The intervention by the U.S. government in my hometown of Postville has instilled fear into the hearts of U.S. citizens." Ullestad spoke May 18 to more than 400 people gathered for an ecumenical prayer service at Queen of Peace Parish (Roman Catholic), Waterloo, in response to the raid.

Ullestad said the raid "has decimated an entire community." Federal agents arrested about 390 workers at the plant, making the raid the largest at a single location in U.S. history.

"We need immigration reform, so that no town in this country will ever have to know the devastation that has been inflicted by our own government upon the Postville community," said Ullestad.

"American businesses need workers, and immigrants need jobs. We must have immigration reform so that businesses can prosper legally, and immigrants may know the freedom and opportunity of America legally," said Ullestad. He also spoke about the hundreds of children, who for 72 hours did not know the whereabouts of their parents. "Families have been divided and traumatized," he said.

Ullestad estimates that it will take years for Postville to recover. "Businesses are dramatically impacted. Teachers wonder how many jobs will be lost for next year. Landlords have lost renters, bankers have lost clients, (and) grocery store owners their customers. People who have been active and responsible members of their community have been lost." But "by the grace of God, the unity and hard work of the people of Postville and the support of the whole church, Postville will recover."

From the service some 200 people rallied in front of the National Cattle Congress, Waterloo. Although "closely monitored by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local police, we had people who were at risk for arrest and people who had been arrested, wearing ankle-bracelets, at the demonstration," said the Rev. Steven P. Brackett, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville. Brackett said ICE had rented the Cattle Congress facility "to process detainees."

"When immigration raids happen at different locations larger than Postville, there are local resources. What we're dealing with in Postville is the largest raid at a single location in U.S. history, and we do not have the resources to help meet the needs of people," said Brackett. With the help of volunteers, "we are providing assistance that is so much needed," he said.

Family members of those arrested in the raid had taken refuge at St. Bridget's (Roman Catholic) Parish, Postville, which is serving as a central location to help serve the community. Brackett said most people have left the church, either returning home or staying at the home of someone else. Some people are still afraid to return home for fear of arrest, he said.

"It is important to note that the ICE raid has not just affected immigrants," said Brackett. "The community of Postville has worked for over 15 years to embrace our new diversity. And almost overnight, all we have worked for has been destroyed," he said.

ELCA News Service