Culver expresses support for cracking down on illegal immigration

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By Charlotte Eby | Monday, May 12, 2008 5:21 PM CDT | () comments

DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has formed a working group of top state officials to help the community of Postville after a raid on its meatpacking plant by federal immigration officials Monday.

Culver announced the action at a news conference Monday afternoon, just hours after officials descended on kosher meatpacker Agriprocessors. He expressed support for going after employers who hire illegal workers and in some cases, exploit them.

Culver said his office was informed last week of the pending federal action and was notified once it was in progress.

“I have said before that I believe it is important that we crack down on illegal immigration,” Culver said. “Illegal means illegal, not just those who are crossing the border illegally, but also those who are responsible for helping to make it happen – traffickers, identity thieves, those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants and anyone who has taken advantage of employees or turned a blind eye.”

Culver said at the same time, officials must make sure to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they are afforded due process.

“My administration has made it clear to the federal government the importance of ensuring the humanitarian side of this exercise is addressed, and I have received assurances from the federal government that they are doing so,” Culver said.

State officials from the departments of public health, human services, workforce development, human rights, education and the civil rights commission will work to assist Postville in dealing with action, Culver announced.

“While this is a federal exercise, my office will continue to keep the public and the press informed of any additional state involvement,” Culver pledged.

If criminal activity at the state level is discovered, Culver said the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is prepared to step in.

“Most importantly, we want to enforce the federal law and the state law and hold those accountable for any illegal activity,” Culver said.

He said he was “very troubled” by the allegations.

“That does not reflect well on Iowa businesses. So any criminal activity that is taking place by an Iowa business, allegedly in this case, is not a good signal, and I think those involved should be held accountable,” Culver said.

Iowa lawmakers this year considered measures to try to crack down on employers who hired illegal immigrants but ultimately failed to get one passed through both chambers before they adjourned for the year in April.

Culver said he’s always been in favor of sanctions on employers that don’t follow the law, and that next legislation session might be the time to get that done in light of the events Monday.

Senate Minority Leader Ron Wieck, R-Sioux City, said something should have been done in the session that just ended. Republican lawmakers have been critical of Democrats, who control both chambers of the Iowa Legislature, for failing to pass immigration measures this year.

“We certainly will be talking about that on the campaign trail,” Wieck said.

Charlotte Eby can be contacted at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.