Several individuals were taken into custody Wednesday morning by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while en route to Russellville's Pilgrim’s Pride meat processing plant.
According to Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver, at least 21 people were arrested between two checkpoints, with one located at County Road 44 and County Road 244, and the other on County Road 75 and County Road 724.
As news of the immigration operation spread, the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice posted about the raid on its Facebook.
"We are working with the community in Franklin County today responding to a countywide ICE operation - so far, we know at least 28 people were detained," the organization wrote. "If you see any activity or know someone who was detained, call us as soon as possible."
The operation was conducted with the help of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Local law enforcement did not participate in the arrests, according to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities have not yet announced where those arrested are being held.
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