Activists Protest Immigration Raid

Protests in Boston and New Bedford today are advocating for the release of 350 illegal immigrants who were taken into custody yesterday after federal agents raided a New Bedford leather goods factory.

Four top officials of Michael Bianco, Inc. are facing criminal charges for knowingly hiring the undocumented residents to work in sweatshop conditions.

They are being charged with conspiring to encourage or induce illegal aliens to reside in the United States and conspiring to hire illegal aliens.

Immigration activists rallying today are hoping to put a moratorium on illegal immigrant raids and are demanding the release of the detained New Bedford workers.

The raid, which came after an extensive 11 month investigation, could result in the deportation of the illegal aliens.