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American Manufactoring Jobs Are Slipping on ICE
“The real threat to American jobs comes not from across Mexico’s border, but it comes from a man in a black limo.” That was the attitude of a caller listening to NPR’s 1A discussion on the counter productivity of ICE raids.
If you think for one moment that ICE raids are saving American jobs or enhancing American job prospects, then you need to listen to Kevin Hiebert. He is the CEO of Load Trail, a Texas-based trailer manufacturer, who had his company raided by ICE. Mr. Hiebert’s company does welding fabrication for the purpose of constructing trailers. His is one of seven of the top trailer producers.
You may assume that his 160 workers who were arrested by ICE are undocumented, and you would be right. But that is likely the only assumption that would be correct. These workers were highly skilled, had worked for him a total of 7.5 years on average, received $25-$30 an hour and received medical benefits — not to mention a 401 K plan. These people were, as he says, “part of the community.” Now he has just 90 workers left, and his company is involved in a lawsuit.
The crazy thing in all this ICE mania is that the result will be that of the seven big manufacturers in Sumner, at least “four of them are moving their operations to Mexico.” According to Mr. Hiebert this is because they cannot find enough welders in the…
