Central New York factory proprietors experience fear and distress following federal raid, expressing feelings of terrorism

In a shocking turn of events, the Nutrition Bar Confectioners plant in Cato, New York was raided by over 50 federal agents and law enforcement officials on Thursday. The plant, founded in 1978 and rebranded as Nutrition Bar Confectioners, employs about 220 people.

The raid, part of a U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigation into felony crimes, resulted in the detainment of about 70 of the 150 people working at the plant. ICE, however, has not disclosed the exact number of people detained, but the state reported more than 40 people were detained on Thursday.

The Schmidt family, who own the business, were shocked and alarmed by the raid. They assert that their hiring practices and standards are compliant with federal law and that all employees had proper documentation to work. Workers, however, reported that federal agents detained anyone who was Hispanic working in the factory. Some employees detained had government documents in their cars showing they were legally in this country, but they weren't allowed to get them before being taken away.

The Schmidts are uncertain about the return of their employees and may need to replace some highly skilled workers. The plant, which pumps out hundreds of thousands of food bars each shift, resumed operations on Friday, but with a very depleted workforce.

The investigation by the US House Committee on Oversight and Reform into the Nutrition Bar Confectioners' food production unit in Cato was initiated by the committee itself. The specific crimes being investigated have not been disclosed. Cayuga County and Oswego County sheriff's deputies assisted in the raid.

Despite the unsettling events, the family has received positive messages and support from the community following the raid. The plant was shut down for the rest of Thursday, and it remains to be seen how the company will recover from the raid. The Schmidts, the owners of the business, are unaware of the crimes being investigated and are hopeful for a swift resolution.

Central New York factory proprietors experience fear and distress following federal raid, expressing feelings of terrorism