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48 workers detained in SC casting plant raid, pregnant woman fitted with ankle monitor

Jun 5, 2026·Location: Abbeville, SC

48 workers detained in SC casting plant raid, pregnant woman fitted with ankle monitor
Photo via greenvilleonline.com

ICE and South Carolina law enforcement agencies raided Burnstein Von Seelen Precision Casting in Abbeville County on June 3-4, 2026, detaining 48 workers, most from Mexico and Guatemala, on suspected immigration violations. The operation, called Operation Ghost Story, stemmed from a two-year investigation that began in October 2024. Company managers Christopher Douglas Ramey and Sandy Lynn Willis were arrested and indicted for failing to verify employee identities and facilitating employment of undocumented workers using forged documents. Four additional defendants, including Xavier Martinez Adorno of Horry County, were indicted on state charges for manufacturing and selling counterfeit driver's licenses, Social Security cards, and green cards, some using real U.S. citizens' identities. None of the 48 detained workers faced criminal charges, though officials said some had prior ICE interactions or deportation orders. One detainee, eight months pregnant, was released under an ankle monitor and now faces deportation proceedings, while others remained in custody. Officials said further arrests are expected.

Timeline

Jun 4, 2026—Two managers and four others indicted on charges related to document fraud and employing undocumented workers; pregnant detainee released with ankle monitor
Jun 3, 2026—ICE and state agencies raid Burnstein Von Seelen Precision Casting, detaining 48 workers
Oct 1, 2024—Operation Ghost Story investigation begins into forged identity documents
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