Gov. Huckabee Continues to Criticize Immigration Raid

Friday August 5, 2005 Posted by Keren Saltz
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/0805/249679.html

Little Rock - Governor Huckabee says he's not afraid of risking his political future by speaking out against a recent immigration raid at an Arkadelphia poultry plant even though he says calls to his office have been "about 1,000 to one'' against his position.
The governor says many of the callers are angry and use profanity. He says immigration is a very emotional issue and people become irrational over it.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 119 illegal workers July 26th in the raid at a Petit Jean poultry plant, sending 107 out of the country either voluntarily or through deportation.

The raid drew the fire of Huckabee and many in the community because about 30 children were left behind when their parents were arrested.

The governor's office has joined with the Mexican Consulate in Dallas, Catholic Charities and the League of United Latin American Citizens to ensure the well-being of the children. Huckabee, a Baptist minister, said his support for the state's growing Hispanic population has to do with compassion, not politics.