The law is the law. If you break it — no matter who you are — and are caught, you will pay the consequences. There is no question about that and most people agree on this issue. But who actually pays the consequences is what is in doubt in regard to the recent “visit” by federal agents at Howard Industries.

At this time, several hundred people deemed in this country illegally and working at the largest employer in Jones County have been rounded up and are currently going through the process of our judicial system. Most will likely pay the consequences of not legally going through the channels of gaining access to the “American Dream” and will be sent out of the U.S. — as they should be.

The question is: Who else will pay the price?

It is still uncertain what the consequences will be to Howard Industries. Certainly the company will pay a pretty stiff monetary fine, but will company officials face any penalties?

The economy in Jones County, one of the strongest in the state, is expected to take a severe hit. How bad is unclear since there are reports of several people lining up to fill out applications for jobs that are now available at HI.

The most severe consequence, however, is one that cannot be gauged in monetary value. It is the emotional uncertainty that several families are facing today. Children are asking for their parents. Husbands and wives split apart. Families completely torn asunder.

There are those in this community I’m certain will say “they got what they deserved.” But put yourself in their shoes for just a moment. If you were living in “squalor” and your family was starving — and I’m sure this is not the case with all those involved, but a great deal were living in poverty outside of the U.S. — would you do whatever you had to to keep them fed? Even if you were here illegally? I think most would.

They should not have been here illegally. They were because they were offered a better life for themselves and their family through illegal means. It was wrong, but it’s still a shame the children have to pay the ultimate consequence?

— Rob Sigler

editor, Laurel Leader-Call