AgriProcessors Fact Sheet

 AgriProcessors, Inc.was started 1987 when Aaron Rubashkin bought the former HyGrade meat-processing plant in Postville, Iowa. Until recently AgriProcessors was a family-run business, with Rubashkin’s sons and son-in-law as senior officers at the plant. After the raid, Rubashkin removed his son from the CEO position.

 AgriProcessors is the nation’s largest kosher slaughterhouse, producing 60% of the kosher beef and 40% of the kosher chicken. Its products are sold in supermarkets such as Jewel, Albertson’s, Kroger, Shop Rite, Wal-Mart, Trader Joe’s, Ralph’s, Pathmark  and H.E. Butt.

 AgriProcessors products carry a variety of labels Aaron’s Best, Aaron’s Choice, Rubashkin’s, European Glatt, Supreme Kosher, David’s, Nevel and Shor Habor.

 AgriProcessors recently has been cited for numerous violations of workplace-safety rules by Iowa’s Division of Labor Services. These include improper storage and handling of hazardous chemicals and inadequate training in the use of respirators and handling of blood-borne pathogens. Each violation resulted in a proposed fine that was later reduced.

 A Department of Transportation investigation found that an AgriProcessors supervisor forced employees to buy cars from him and registered those vehicles under false identities.

 In March 2008, the Iowa Occupational Health and Safety Agency cited AgriProcessors for 39 health and safety violations. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals stated that the company mistreats animals. Additional charges allege that sexual harassment took place in the factory.

 In response, AgriProcessors hired former U.S. Attorney Jim Martin as a compliance officer.

Information on May 2008 raid by ICE

 On May 12, 2008, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the largest single-site workplace raid in U.S. history, resulting in detainment of 390 AgriProcessors employees (out of a total 968). Fifty-six, including 18 juveniles, were released but must wear GPS ankle bracelets so their whereabouts can be monitored. 

 The remaining 300 have been convicted on felony charges including aggravated identity theft, improper use of Social Security numbers and use of false IDs. This is the first time criminal charges were used as a legal and deportation tactic in an immigration raid.

 Families of those detained initially took refuge at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. With their primary wage-earners in custody, many were left without funds for food, housing or legal fees.

 Immigrants detained in the raid were from Guatemala, Mexico, Israel and Ukraine.

 The number of individuals detained represents one-fifth of Postville’s population.

 No charges have been filed against AgriProcessors, Inc.