Reports of aggressive and unlawful ICE raids have been surfacing nationwide, with communities raising concerns about the activity. Erie is now facing similar questions. Almost two weeks ago, out-of-state workers helping Erie recover from the devastating storms were detained by ICE, including one worker whose legal documentation is valid through 2030.
A routine cleanup effort following the early September storms quickly turned into an unexpected ICE operation while a crew from Texas was staying at the Clarion Pointe Hotel off Interstate 90.
The Northwest Rapid Response Network, a community group that monitors immigration enforcement activity, told Erie News Now that six workers were taken into custody, none of whom had criminal records.
“They were focused more within the actual city of Erie and helping out the residents of the city of Erie. They were just sleeping on the outskirts of town,” said Keith Pahls, a team lead with the Northwest Rapid Response Network.
Hotel witnesses say agents entered without showing a warrant, threw workers to the ground, and detained them even though ICE had reportedly been called for a completely separate matter.
“Two uniformed people came in and said they were here for him, and I don’t remember them saying his name. Then I heard a huge bang at the front door, and as I looked, they slammed another man,” said MJ, a witness and hotel employee.
The Rapid Response Network was able to contact one of the crew members, who told them he has legal documentation through 2030.
“Tell me, sir, how did they treat you? Did you have your immigration documents?” a member of the Northwest Rapid Response Network asked.
“I have a work permit, and another of the men who was taken has a work permit too,” the detainee said.
“When is your work permit valid through?” the Northwest Rapid Response Network asked.
“It is valid through 2030,” the detainee said.
“You have a valid work permit through 2030?” the Northwest Rapid Response Network asked.
“Yes,” the detainee said.
He also said he spent 12 hours in custody without access to water, leaving him with no choice but to drink from a toilet tank before being released with an ankle monitor.
“Sir, you are saying that while being detained for more than 12 hours, you weren’t even given water, and your only option was to drink water from the toilet tank?” the Northwest Rapid Response Network asked.
“Yes. As soon as we got there, I asked them for water, and that’s where they told me to get it from,” the detainee said.
Only one worker has been released. Reports indicate the remaining crew members have either been deported or transferred to another location.
No investigation is currently underway because immigration attorneys in Pennsylvania have not yet been contacted by family members of the detained workers. We reached out to Border Patrol in Fairview but did not hear back.
Mayor Daria Devlin spoke with a concerned citizen but said she has no jurisdiction because the incident occurred outside the city limits.
One of the workers has been released but remains fitted with an ankle monitor, preventing him from returning to Texas. The business owner is still in Erie trying to sort out the situation.
Erie News Now will continue following this story and provide updates as they become available