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48 workers detained in South Carolina casting plant raid by ICE

Jun 3, 2026 · Abbeville, SC

48 workers detained in South Carolina casting plant raid by ICE

On June 3-4, 2026, ICE and state law enforcement conducted a coordinated raid at Burnstein Von Seelen Precision Casting in Abbeville County, South Carolina, as part of Operation Ghost Story, a two-year investigation that began in October 2024. The operation detained 48 workers, primarily from Mexico and Guatemala, on immigration violations. None of the 48 detained workers were criminally charged. At least one detainee who was eight months pregnant was released but faces deportation proceedings and must wear an ankle monitor, while others remained in custody.

Timeline

Jun 4, 2026Plant managers Christopher Douglas Ramey and Sandy Lynn Willis arrested on state charges of criminal conspiracy, identity fraud, and forgery; six defendants indicted total
Jun 4, 2026Pregnant detainee released but placed on ankle monitor pending deportation proceedings; other detainees remain in custody
Jun 3, 2026ICE and state law enforcement raid Burnstein Von Seelen Precision Casting; 48 workers detained on immigration violations
Oct 2024Investigation into fake identity document scheme at Burnstein Von Seelen Precision Casting begins ('Operation Ghost Story')

Sources

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