Update: Detained Employees to Testify Against La Espiga de Oro Tortilla Factory

Agents with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided a tortilla factory in the Heights this morning. The raid took place around 10:00 a.m., August 4, at La Espiga de Oro, which is in the 1200 block of W. 15th at Dorothy. Eyewitnesses have reported over 10 detainees thus far.

Comments on the story on Facebook have ranged from confusion and support of the tortilla factory workers to "Good Keep up the Amazing work ICE [sic]" to blaming Donald Trump. For what its worth, supporters of the raid appear to be largely outnumbered by critics. Efrain Nino commented on the KHOU 11 News Facebook post, "This is pathethic. Instead of using ICE to catch real criminals they go after hard working illegals and ruin families," and Lisa Duclo pleaded, "No! Not the tortillas!"

UPDATE (August 7, 11:30 a.m.): Greg Palmore, the Houston-area media representative for ICE, confirmed rumors detained workers would be testifying against the La Espiga de Oro factory. Palmore told the Houston Chronicle, the immigration agency granted employment authorization to remain working in the U.S. for one year legally to seven of the 10 detained workers, because they are "material witnesses." Eater Houston contacted Palmore for further information and discovered the detained workers were "released the same day back to the factory," Palmore said. He did not give specific details about whether or not the factory would be shutting down, but noted "this is an ongoing investigation," and declined to provide more details.