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Press Release

LULAC Outraged at Deceptive Immigration Practices by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency
Organizational leaders concerned that result of sting operation will increase injury and fatality rates among undocumented workers

July 19, 2005

Contact: Brenda Alvarez (202) 833-6130

Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is outraged at the recent immigration practices by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which arrested 48 immigrant workers in North Carolina by organizing a deceptive Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) meeting.   

This misleading immigration tactic weakens the name of respectable agencies and creates fear and doubt among Hispanic workers by scaring them from reporting workplace dangers.  LULAC is extremely concerned that the result of this sting operation will increase the injury and fatality rates among undocumented workers, which has been escalating over the years.   

According to the latest US government data, on average, 15 workers were fatally injured and more than 12,000 workers were injured or made ill each day on their job in 2003.  In addition, of the 5,559 workers killed by job injuries in 2003, nearly 900 were immigrant workers. 

“Immigrants in this country contribute more to the well-being of America than they ever get credit for, and instead of ambushing undocumented workers through sham immigration tactics, officials should focus on a humane approach to immigration,” said Hector M. Flores, LULAC National President.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.  LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating across the country at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

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