Potentially Undocumented Workers Investigated at Pilgrim's Pride

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigators are investigating potentially undocumented workers at the Pilgrim's Pride plant on Market Street in Chattanooga.

ICE has been out since early this morning as a result of a year-long investigation. Numerous vans with heavily tinted windows have left the plant carrying Pilgrim's Pride employees to a processing center for questioning.

ICE agents say they hit five Pilgrim's Pride plants nationwide today.

Ray Atkinson, director of corporate communications with Pilgrim's Pride says the company was aware of the bust in advance and calls it "planned enforcement action." Atkinson says the company has been working closely with the US Attorney's Office and ICE to identify employees who they suspect of identity theft.

Atkinson says no criminal or civil charges have been filed against the company. A spokesperson for ICE confirms that Pilgrim's Pride has not been charged, however they say it is still an ongoing investigation.

An ICE spokesperson says all of the people taken into custody are being questioned, and those who are not documented will be detained and could be subject to deportation. ICE says in some cases, suspects could be conditionally released but not under after an immigration hearing.

Immigration officials say anyone who needs more information, or suspects a friend or family member may have been arrested can call 24-hours a day at 1-866-341-3858.

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