“A series of preparations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on the Gulf Coast has local advocates on edge about the possibility of yet another worksite raid, and yet another devastating blow to businesses, families, and communities in the name of immigration enforcement,” a statement reads.

Chandler told the Leader-Call, “It was evident ICE was around in large numbers around South Mississippi. They have conducted the same kind of attacks in Massachusetts and Iowa.”

Considering children and spouses who remain in Jones County, Chandler said the raid creates a humanitarian crisis.

“We are responding with humanitarian aid to the family members of the arrested,” he said.

This is the second federal investigation Howard Industries has faced this summer. In June, the U. S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed $193,000 in penalties against Howard Industries for 54 violations of federal safety rules at the company’s two manufacturing locations in Laurel.

OSHA reported 36 serious violations and proposed $123,500 in penalties for the Pendorf Plant, which is the same location of Monday’s raid. There were 15 serious violations, with penalties of $41,000, at the Eastview plant.

Howard Industries at the time told the Leader-Call to expect a statement, but one was never released. An employee asked for more information, said the company was not aware of the OSHA violations, and said, “There will be no comment at this time, but we’ll be back in touch.”

There were also reports of raids against other industries in Jones County. However, Gonzalez said those reports were “not true.” The other Howard Industries locations in Sandersville and Mendenhall, along with other Laurel and Ellisville facilities, were not involved.