Teamsters Accuse Border Patrol of Intimidation After Agents Appear at Strike
CHICAGO — Leaders of Teamsters Local 705 say armed federal agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection appeared at a picket line Tuesday involving striking Mauser Packaging Solutions workers, prompting accusations of intimidation and interference with protected labor activity.
According to the union, Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino and several Border Patrol agents arrived unannounced at a picket outside Mauser’s facility in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on Dec. 16. Video circulating online shows agents standing near striking workers as the labor action continued.
Teamsters Local 705 said agents questioned workers about their presence at the site and their identities, actions the union described as an attempt to intimidate immigrant workers engaged in a lawful strike. No arrests or detentions were reported.
The strike began in June after more than 100 workers walked out, alleging Mauser refused to bargain in good faith and illegally monitored employees during union organizing efforts. Workers have sought higher wages, safer working conditions, improved benefits, and protections against warrantless immigration enforcement actions at the workplace.
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Mauser later announced plans to close the Chicago facility, affecting more than 160 workers. The union has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board related to the company’s conduct.
Union officials emphasized that picketing is protected under the National Labor Relations Act and said the presence of federal immigration enforcement agents risked chilling lawful organizing activity. Local 705 Secretary-Treasurer Juan Campos said workers remained on the line and followed prior “know your rights” training.
A press conference was held later Tuesday at a nearby community center with labor and immigrant-rights advocates condemning the agents’ presence and calling for an investigation into the incident.
CBP has not publicly commented on the visit, and it remains unclear why Border Patrol agents were dispatched to the picket line. The incident has drawn national attention from labor organizations and advocates who argue it underscores growing tensions between immigration enforcement and worker organizing efforts.
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