Gillette detainees speak out for reform

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Several people detained by immigration officials while on their way to Gillette Stadium to shovel snow spoke out at an emotional rally in Providence Thursday.

During the gather at St. Charles Church, several Guatemalan immigrants and their supporters slammed the actions of federal immigration officials for the raid, and lashed out at what they called unfair working conditions.

The workers were part of a group of 60 people who were hired to shovel snow at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro last month. Federal immigration agents stopped the caravan as it was heading to the stadium to check for illegal immigrants . Ultimately, nine people were taken into custody, and some were labeled as fugitives from deportation. Checks showed six of the workers were minors, officials said. Roughly 50 others were released.

During Thursday's rally, the immigrants and their advocates also complained about the work itself, calling it "slave labor." The immigrants claim they were not paid fairly, or on time. Advocates called on the Rhode Island and federal governments to enforce wage and hour laws.

Gillette Stadium blamed the issues on the temp agency hired to clear out the snow. It said it had terminated its contract with the agency.