Rep. Bennie Thompson to hold hearings on August’s ICE raids in Mississippi

Rep. Bennie Thompson will hold full hearings in November on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that occurred in Mississippi Aug. 7.

Thompson, who represents Mississippi’s 2nd congressional district and is the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the hearings will look at the conduct of ICE agents, among other issues.

“As we look into it, there appears to be some missteps that cause great concern,” he told WJTV.

The congressman has previously expressed concern over children separated from their parents and left to fend for themselves in the wake of the raids and has also said owners of the businesses that hired undocumented immigrants should face legal actions.

To date, none of the businesses raided are facing any charges.

The August raids at seven Mississippi foot-processing plants rounded up nearly 700 immigrants. In a recent survey, nearly 70 percent of Mississippians said the businesses that employed the detained workers should also face prosecution.

The hearings will be held Nov. 7 in the Jackson metro area. The exact location has yet to be announced.