ICE Raids Kings Mountain Factory, 30 Detained

At least 30 people were detained on June 25 during a federal raid at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, as part of an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations under ICE into identity theft and the employment of unauthorized workers. Agents executed a criminal search warrant, questioning employees and separating those with verified legal status from others, with some released after clearance. The operation was prompted by allegations of fraudulent documents used to employ individuals not authorized to work in the U.S. Eyewitnesses described armed agents in tactical gear, confiscation of phones, and prevention of recordings during the chaos. ICE has not disclosed formal charges, but indicated the probe is ongoing, could involve additional federal crimes, and may potentially implicate the employer. Local police assisted federal agents but stated their role was limited to any possible state charges, while the raid has raised concern among workers' families and the community.