New York Business Hit by Immigration Raid: Workers Fearful and Production Hampered, Co-Owner Reveals

On a Thursday morning, Lenny Schmidt arrived at his family’s nutrition bar business in upstate New York to find federal immigration agents already at the site. He described the scene as chaotic, with over a hundred agents—some on vehicles, others with dogs—surrounding the facility.

“They forced their way into the plant, using crowbars,” Schmidt, the company’s vice president, told CNN. By the end of the raid at Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato, dozens of employees had been detained.

This operation in Cato mirrored a larger one in Ellabell, Georgia, where agents detained about 475 workers, primarily Korean nationals suspected of living in the U.S. illegally. It represents one of the most significant actions under the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which increasingly target industries like manufacturing that rely on immigrant labor.

Agents sealed the exits at the New York facility, halting production and questioning workers. Schmidt noted that the agents seemed to focus on Hispanic employees. “They cornered our workers, separated them, and later escorted many into vans,” he explained.

His business, operating since 1978, complies with all federal guidelines. “We verify each worker’s documentation and ensure they have the right papers,” Schmidt affirmed, believing all his employees were legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) labeled the raid as a “court-authorized operation,” though they did not provide further details. Local reports indicated that around 60 workers were detained. Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the raid, calling it a harsh blow to immigrant families striving for a better life.

A Guatemalan worker, meanwhile, described the fear inside the facility as agents surrounded it. “Everyone was scared,” he said, noting that agents did not display warrants. They interrogated workers primarily about their nationality and immigration status. Many felt targeted, with valid work permit holders still taken into custody.

Though some detainees returned to work shortly after being released, production was temporarily halted. Schmidt said operations would likely slow down significantly, and they plan to start hiring new workers soon.

“Our success depends on our fantastic team,” he said. “We just hope for their safety and that they can return to their families and jobs.”

This incident sheds light on ongoing trends in U.S. immigration enforcement, particularly in workplaces. Recent statistics show that ICE workplace raids have seen a steady increase, targeting industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor. As these operations unfold, many companies face uncertainty and operational challenges, showcasing the complex intersection of immigration policy and the economy.

For more insights on workplace immigration policies, you can explore the [Migrants in the Workforce](https://www.brookings.edu/research/migrants-in-the-workforce/) report by the Brookings Institution.

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