The arrests seem to be…
…related to the child labor charges detailed in the post below this.
Arrested today were Agriprocessors #2 Human Resources manager, Laura Althouse and another HR manager named Karina Freund.
Aaron Rubashkin, Sholom M. Rubashkin and the HR Director Elizabeth Billmeyer are still at large.
I'll post more details as they become available.
UPDATE 2:00 pm – The iowa Independent is reporting the arrests were made by federal ICE agents, not state police:
Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested two more employees at Agriprocessors this morning. Although names of the employees have not yet been released, it has been confirmed that they were employed in the human resources department.
The two are expected to have their initial federal court appearance this afternoon in Cedar Rapids.…
UPDATE 2:25 pm – I spoke with Bob Brammer, the spokesperson for the Iowa Attorney General. No state arrests have been made and it appears no provisions have been made to prevent the five named individuals from fleeing.
I pointed out that one Agriprocessors supervisor had already fled charges and is now reported to be in Israel and that it would seem these people are themselves flight risks. The AG's office had no comment.
The Rubashkin's court appearance is set for Wednesday the 17th. It seems the defendants can "appear" in writing. at least for this initial "appearance."