Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander 5-0 in tennis on Monday.

• First singles, Carson Warner beat Kendrick Ochoa 6-2, 6-1
• Second singles, Trevor Enes beat Simon Fuller 6-0, 6-1
• Third singles, Cara Williams beat Chase Reichart 6-7(4-7), 6-0, 7-6(7-3)
• First doubles, Corbin DeMare/David Schichler beat Ella Bodnarskyj 6-0, 6-1
• Second doubles, Logan Clark/Alex Fuller beat Merrick Eisele/Mae Grimes 6-3, 6-3

OA is now 6-0

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Oakfield-Alabama dealt the Elba Lancers the team's first defeat of the season on Monday behind the complete-game pitching of David Schnaufer.

The Hornets won 5-1, even though Elba outhit O-A 10 hits to eight. 

Elba, now 6-1, committed four errors. O-A is 4-3.

Schnaufer gave up one earned run, two walks, and fanned eight.

Hornets offense:

• David Schnaufer, 1-4, double 1 RBI
• Jack Cianfrini, 3-4, 2 two walks, 2 runs scored
• Avery Watterson, 2-3, double, walk, stolen base
• Jake Gehlert, 1-2, RBI, sac fly
• Levi Kabel, 1-3, run scored, stolen base
• Dom West, 0-2, run, walk, stolen base

Lancer offense:

• Nicholas Scott, 2-3, double 
• Bing Zuber, 3-4, double
• Mark Caparco, 1-4, run
• Fletcher Norton, 1-4, double
• Brayden Jachimowicz, 1-3 RBI
• Alex Roscoe, 2-3
• Brendan Porey, 0-2, walk
• Brady Werth, 0-1, walk, sac bunt

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) voted against an initiative that would place additional burdens on police officers while they are conducting arrests. The measure would require the New York State Police and local law enforcement to adopt child-sensitive arrest policies and procedures in situations where an individual being arrested is responsible for a child as a parent, guardian, or legal caregiver. 

The bill would require law enforcement officers to take measures to minimize the impact a child experiences under these situations. Despite this, there is no mention of how departments should fund the implementation of these policies and procedures. While well-intentioned, Hawley believes this law will only create more problems by imposing further responsibilities on police officers and necessitating more spending for local departments that are already underfunded.

“While I believe this policy is well-intentioned, it provides a one-size-fits-all solution for an issue that varies so much with each case,” said Hawley. “From day one in the academy, our law enforcement officers are extensively trained to handle arrests of all kinds, including situations where families are involved. Adding extra training and more procedures will only make it harder and more expensive for our police officers to do their jobs.”

Press Release:

On April 11, the community once again came together to honor the life and legacy of Madison Grace Masters through the annual celebration known as GRACE Day. Created in memory of Madison, a Le Roy Central School District student who passed away unexpectedly in 2020 at the age of 17, GRACE Day has become a heartfelt tradition centered on spreading kindness and giving back. The day is named not only for Madison’s middle name, Grace, but also as an acronym—Giving, Remembering, and Celebrating Everyone. What began as a small tribute has grown into a movement that touches lives each year through intentional acts of generosity.

This year’s GRACE Day efforts were dedicated to supporting the next generation of automotive professionals by raising funds for students enrolled in the Genesee Valley BOCES Auto Technology programs at both the Batavia and Mount Morris campuses. The fundraiser exceeded expectations, bringing in $2,115 thanks to the incredible generosity of family, friends, and supporters who were inspired by Madison’s story. The funds were used to purchase gift cards that were then donated directly to students in the Auto Tech programs to help them begin building their own sets of tools—an essential and often costly investment for those entering the field.

These donations did more than provide financial assistance—they delivered a powerful message of encouragement. Each student received a gift card accompanied by a “Kindness for Maddie” card, as well as a laminated copy of the classic motivational poem “Don’t Quit” by Edgar A. Guest. The poem, a longtime fixture in the shop of George Pursel, a close family friend of Madison’s family, was included as a personal symbol of resilience and perseverance. These thoughtful additions made each gift meaningful, not only as practical help but as a reminder that someone believes in their potential and future.

GRACE Day has become a way to transform grief into purpose, offering the community a way to honor Madison’s memory while making a real difference in the lives of others. Each year, the cause changes—past efforts have included food drives, random acts of kindness, and community outreach—but the heart behind the day remains the same. It’s a celebration not just of who Madison was, but of the compassion and generosity she inspired in others.

By helping GV BOCES Auto Tech students this year, GRACE Day has supported young people pursuing skilled trades—many of whom may not otherwise have the means to purchase their own tools. These students now move forward not only with practical resources in hand but with the encouragement of an entire community standing behind them. In lifting up others through kindness, GRACE Day continues to honor Madison’s spirit in the most meaningful way possible: by creating opportunities, fostering hope, and reminding us all that love, when shared, leaves a lasting mark.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The “We’ve Only Just Begun” Senior Luncheon returns on Tuesday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the South Alabama Firehall, located at 2230 Judge Road (Route 63) in Oakfield.

Lunch will be served promptly at 11:45 a.m., followed by a lively and interactive program led by guest speaker Dan Lyon from Lifespan of Rochester. Lyon, a returning favorite, will present “Name that Spam,” an engaging session designed to help attendees sharpen their skills in identifying email and digital scams.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to pass, or alternatively, a donation can be made at the door. The event promises a hearty lunch and an afternoon of learning and laughter with both old and new friends.

For more information, contact LaNora Thompson at 630-888-8966.

Press Release:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Batavia Police Department is committed to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and the resources available in our community. Mental health affects us all, either directly or indirectly, and it's essential to prioritize our well-being and seek help when needed. 

Did you know that one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year? Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. However, with the right support and resources, individuals can recover and lead fulfilling lives. 

In Genesee County, we are fortunate to have a range of resources available to support mental health. The Genesee County Mental Health Department provides a comprehensive range of services, including: 

• Crisis intervention and stabilization
• Outpatient counseling and therapy
• Case management and support
• Peer support and advocacy 

In addition to these services, our community offers a variety of support groups, hotlines, and online resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there is help available. 

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. Let's work together to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage those who need support to seek it out. 

For more information on mental health resources in Genesee County, visit the Genesee County Mental Health Department website or call 585-344-2550. Let's prioritize our mental health and well-being this May and throughout the year. Together, we can make a difference in our community. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please call 988.

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia)

Press Release:

“Every spring, we come to Albany with one goal in mind: pass a state budget. The Majority, however, seems completely unable to complete this one simple task,” said Hawley. “This is the epitome of failed leadership. Working families across this state know that if you don’t pay your bills or do your job, you’re not going to get very far. The fact that the Majority won’t hold themselves to the same standard is disrespectful to hard-working New Yorkers all across our state. It’s time for Gov. Hochul and the Majority to work with both sides of the aisle to pass a budget that will bring costs down and protect our communities.”

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff Joseph M. Graff announces the recent graduations of several Correction Officers from the Basic Course for Correction Officers Academy: Correction Officers Christa I. Oliveri, Autumn J. Mathisen and Rocco J. Auricchio from Niagara County on May 2, and Correction Officers Laurie J. Schwab, Ryan J. Peck and Mariah A. Blahowicz from Livingston County on April 29. 

“These officers completed training in effective communications, essential services, NYS Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Inmate Transportation, Firearms, Incident Prevention, Pepper Spray, Defensive Tactics, among other topics,” stated Sheriff Graff. “These are all vital trainings for the position of Correction Officer.”

In addition to celebrating these recent graduations, May 4 – May 10 is National Correctional Officers’ Week, a week that President Ronald Reagan proclaimed would be observed in recognition of the important role Correction Officers play in our criminal justice system. 

The position of Correction Officer, once considered merely that of a “guard,” has become increasingly more complex and demanding, involving simultaneously custodial, supervisory, rehabilitation, and counseling roles, and that complexity continues to grow. This week acknowledges the difficult and challenging job Correction Officers perform, locked within a facility for a large part of their day where they must securely, safely, and humanely keep those committed to the jail, respecting the rights and dignity of all the inmates, including those who have been found guilty and those only awaiting adjudication.

“On behalf of our entire Sheriff’s Office and the community we serve, we thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your steadfast commitment to justice and safety,” stated Sheriff Graff. “If you know a Correction Officer, please join me in thanking these men and women for their exceptional service. This responsibility is immense, and their work deserves our deepest respect and appreciation.” 

The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola will be changed to red, white and blue to acknowledge this week.

Submitted photos.

NOTE: Members of Early Access Pass get first crack (four hours earlier access than non-members) at making Deals of the Day purchases. Join Early Access Pass today to ensure you don't miss any valuable deals.

Reminders of how the Deal of the Day program works:

• To make purchases, you must be registered. Deal of the Day uses a registration system that is not connected to the registration for commenting on The Batavian (the main user login in the upper left of the homepage).
• Once registered you must sign in using the "sign-in" link in this box.
• You click on the orange button, which appears if the item is not sold out, and it takes you to a PayPal button. This allows you to pay either with your PayPal account or with a credit card/debit card. The login for PayPal is completely separate from our accounts.
• The first person to successfully complete the PayPal transaction wins the gift certificate.
• You are eligible to buy the same item only once in a four-month period. We use the registration system to track this for you so you don't have to.
• Only one gift certificate from the same business PER HOUSEHOLD is allowed in each four-month period. We do not have a way to automatically track duplicate purchases within a household; however, if we notice such a purchase, we reserve the right to cancel the purchase and refund the purchase money. Each individual buyer must use his or her own PayPal account for purchases. It's important that participating businesses not be asked to redeem multiple gift certificates from the same person/family at the same time.
• You will receive your physical gift certificate through postal mail. If you have questions about the receipt of your gift certificate before opening a dispute with PayPal, please use the contact email address below.
• Gift certificates should be used within 30 days of receipt.
• Sign-in issues? First, make sure you are registered for Day using the link at the top of this post; Second, if you know you're registered, use the "sign-in" link in this post; do not use the "login" box on the left side of the page.
• Problems, questions, concerns about the Deal of the Day? Email Kara Richenberg:   kara@thebatavian.com

Serving as a perfect metaphor for what’s happening at Cornerstone Church, seeds of an idea have been planted and are being nurtured by members and leaders for a future organic, self-sustaining farm on several acres adjacent to the Bank Street Road site, Pastor Paul Doyle says.

Growing right out of the book of Genesis, where it says, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it,” Doyle said, he believes that this project is a type of divine intervention that has drawn people and their farm-related talents to participate in an effort that will help feed those in need.

“He thought of everything. He put the nutrients in, and certainly, the movie that we saw, that inspired us, contrasted with what we see happening to food. And I don’t know what they’re putting in it, I don’t know how it’s been manipulated. It’s scary to me, and we don’t always know what we’re putting in our bodies. God already thought of all this, and so we just kind of connected the dots and said, you know what? We’ve got the land, we’ve always wondered we’re like this church out in the cornfield, and we’re surrounded by land, and then the land became available and we just began to get into prayers and we really felt strongly.”

What served as inspiration
That movie was “The Biggest Little Farm,” a documentary film that follows an eight-year journey of John and Molly Chester as they depart urban life in Los Angeles and embark on a farming quest to create a sustainable, biodiverse 234-acre farm named Apricot Lane Farms. 

Their efforts to work with nature encounter drought, pests, predators, and soil depletion as they tirelessly learn how to establish a balanced system of vegetation and animals.

Divine intervention, human efforts
Alan Goodfellow, a church elder, stepped forward to lead Cornerstone’s project, not because of his most recent experience from Kodak and as a financial advisor as much as from growing up on a farm in central Pennsylvania and an agricultural heritage stemming from Montana.

“Because of his background, his heart, when he retired, was to do some farming. He’s already done a lot of research, and when we announced it, all of a sudden, people came out of the woodwork in our church and go, I have background in compost, I have background, and so it just felt like things were coming together,” Doyle said. “So some of it’s logical, and some of it feels like it’s divine intervention. But the Bible says that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. He did it for years without man’s manipulation.”

They plan to work the ground, just not fill it with chemicals and pesticides and deplete it of natural nutrients, he and Goodfellow said. The church plans to use 18 acres that it owns, with a potential opportunity to purchase more property in the near future. 

"We don't believe it's happenstance. We believe it was in the mind of God to bring this into being, where everything works together. It's an experiment where we want to try it, and we don't grow it. God grows it. We just made a decision and we have a conviction, I think, because we saw somebody else kind of be the forerunners,” Doyle said, referring to the Chester couple. “They showed it can happen. Why not? Why not here in Batavia, with rich soil? We have plenty of precipitation. You know, we have a beautiful winter that fertilizes the ground, and there's certainly a need.”

Goodfellow seems to know his stuff, rattling off a system of fixing nitrogen in the ground and grouping crops, such as corn, beans and squash so that the beans have something tall to grow against — the corn stalks — and squash leaves provide natural ground cover to discourage weeds and protect the soil.

He keenly understands that plowing the earth year after year only takes away from Mother Nature, which is why chemical fertilizers have to be used to boost the soil back up for the next go round of planting. But by not disturbing the soil as much with aggressive tilling, and using a drill to plant seeds for crops, which uses the elements already provided by nature, he said.

“They’re throwing up dust, right?” he said, nodding to a tractor plowing out in a field along Bank Street Road. “So one of the primary principles that we’re going to have is that we’re not going to till the ground. There’s going to be cover on the ground at all times. So there is such a thing as no-till planting, where you have what they'll call a drill.

“It's not really a drill in the sense you think of … it opens the ground enough to create a trench, and then you drop the seeds in the trench,” he said. “But you do that even with the covering on top of the ground.”

And what's the advantage of that?
“You're not losing soil, and the soil is really a living mechanism, so all the root structure, enzymes, bacteria, earthworms, and other kinds of bugs live under the soil. And when you're doing this, what we call monoculture, single crop, you have to spray to control weeds,” Goodfellow said. “You have to put chemical fertilizers into replenish what's been taken out of the soil before. And instead, what we're going to do is replenish by using cover crops constantly.”

There will be a cover crop, such as low-lying cold grasses, flowers or squash, planted on top of those.

“So you’re always building up your soil to keep the organic material down in the soil,” he said. “So if you have dry spells, having all that organic matter below that moisture is going to feed the growth. And there’s all kinds of things that take place, where the root system that develops underneath the ground, amongst all those different types of cover crops, is going to help bring the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium levels in the soil up so you don’t require chemical fertilizers. That’s why they have to use fertilizer, because there’s nothing regenerating the soil.

“That’s our whole plan to regenerate the soil, put more back into the soil, and the cycle then will come down to adding animals to it as well,” he said. “Because the animals will forage on the cover crop, then leave the manure on the field, and that will be dissipated through other techniques that will spread, get down into the soil system, and move all around so it’s shared into large sections.”

Completing the plan
They’re thinking of adding chickens, cows and pigs to the system as the primary three additions. Following a farmer from North Dakota who has hardy stock that can weather most climates, Goodfellow believes these animals can thrive outdoors without a barn if they are the appropriate breeds for the Western New York climate.

Everything seems to fall in line with this system, as the cows and pigs eat the cover crops and deposit manure, the chickens scratch at the manure for the larvae left by flies, and the manure breaks down into fertilizer for the soil, Goodfellow said.

Harvested crops may be sold to those who can afford them, or distributed through the church’s food pantry. Remainders that can be kept, such as winter squash, beets, onions, or potatoes, will be stored in an adjacent 50-by-50 warehouse on the premises along with FoodLink supplies and massive toy collections for Christmas giveaways.

They recognize the need for “lots of equipment” for this objective, so another 30-by-50 maintenance room will be handy for upkeep and repairs.

Goodfellow has organized teams of about 30 volunteers so far, intending to have a garden by the end of this summer. He said hives of bees should also contribute to the pollination effort. For everything he learned from his elders, he now must take a different path.

“My grandfather, my mother, myself, we were all raised on the monoculture, industrial type farming, even if it was a truck farmer, he planted in rows, he planted on bare ground. He tilled the ground with plows and discs, etc.,” he said. “And so I'm in the process of unlearning everything I knew about agriculture and relearning new ways, new techniques, new reasons why. That's really where we are right now at the present time. And now we’re going to try out some of the stuff we’ve learned.”

He said people who farm this way end up with higher yields for their crops than the average in their area versus the traditional crop. The more he learns, the more “it makes so much sense” and is consistent with “God's thinking.”

“That you would be replenishing, regenerating all the time, instead of just getting rid of the weeds,” he said.

Follow The Batavian for periodic updates on this project.

The food pantry is open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sundays at the church, 8020 Bank Street Road.

After two months of training with retiring director Diana Fox, Jessica Riley has now taken her official seat to lead Genesee County’s Office for the Aging as of May 1.

Riley presented a line-up of requests to the Human Services Committee on Monday for caregiver support, a security contract renewal, meal preparation services, marketing, and funding grants. She said one of her top initiatives is keeping up with an ever-changing world.

“Technology is changing a lot of things that we all interact with on a daily basis, so adapting and adopting new technology practices for our office — something as simple as an online registration form or getting electronic newsletter — and also some of those services that can be provided through technology to guard against social isolation, are some of the new things we'd like to look at,” Riley said to The Batavian.

Is this something the senior community is comfortable with and finds user-friendly?
“It’s actually our community members who are looking for those types of resources. We certainly will continue to provide traditional hands-on resources that we have always provided,” she said. “But if you go to a restaurant and look at a menu, sometimes you have to use a QR code now to actually get it, and there's no other way to get a hard copy menu. So we want to make sure that we're educating and we're helping, and we're driving some of the resources to make those available to individuals as they so choose to utilize them.”

I realize you only just began your position, but there has been a lot of talk about federal cuts especially hurting Meals on Wheels. Has this OFA been affected yet?
“No. So we have not received any notification of any direct loss, as mentioned in Human Services. If you look at the Office of Management and Budget, pass back budget, there is a proposed reduction, but the federal impact from us is, is really not going to make an impact,” she said. “We're really, really happy about that.”

Riley has been with the OFA for about three years. She previously served as the program coordinator for New Kirk Connect central intake, where she supervised the recreation, and as a certified health insurance counselor for the Medicare program.

County officials said she has “contributed across a range of programs — from internal systems and operations to coordinating services for older adults and their families.”

“With a leadership style grounded in both empathy and practical experience, Riley is well-prepared to guide the department as it adapts to the growing and evolving needs of Genesee County’s senior population,” officials said.

While technology is certainly one area of focus, Riley said another main target is “just continuing to provide services as our population grows.”

“We’re going to have the same dollars to serve more people. So that's really what our main goal is, maintain quality services to scale as the population grows, and then also meet the needs of consumers in creative ways,” she said, agreeing that a shortage of home health care aides is an ongoing issue. “They certainly have. As we have more and more people in need of those services, absolutely, and it's a concern in New York state and across the country.”

An interview committee selected and interviewed three "highly qualified individuals" for this position and unanimously recommended Riley. The county Legislature approved her base salary of $77,756, effective March 3.

During the meeting, committee members approved a contract renewal with Arc GLOW for meal preparation services for OFA congregate and home delivery for a total cost of $403,812.15 effective July 1 to June 30, 2026. This will go onto the Ways & Means and full Legislature for final vote.

The Batavian will publish a more thorough interview after Riley has settled into her new role.

The Genesee Chorale will sing its "greatest hits" from its first 20 seasons in a concert on May 18 called Reflections.

The Chorale will highlight chorale-member favorites at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main St., Batavia, at 4 p.m.

The song selection surveys a range of styles and genres, including pop, classical, sacred, spiritual, and folk music. 

"We are really thrilled at how beautiful this concert is shaping up to be," said member Caryn Wood.

For tickets, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The Kentucky Derby proved to be solid business for Batavia Downs on Saturday, with increases in revenue and attendances, said Ryan Hasenauer, vp of business development for WROTB.

More than a thousand people visited the Park Place event center over the course of the day, and more than 250 attended the Derby Gala in the Clubhouse.

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff Joseph M. Graff and his staff were honored at a meeting of the Genesee County Legislature for having achieved reaccreditation of the Sheriff’s Civil Office and the County 9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatch Center from the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. 

Tom Mitchell, NYS Sheriffs’ Association Accreditation Program Director, presented the accreditation plaques and pointed out that only 31 of the state’s 62 counties have been able to achieve accreditation of their civil office and only 16 counties maintain an accredited communications center. There are 121 standards for Civil and 100 standards for the 9-1-1 center that are required to be met. During the accreditation reviews, assessors usually spend a couple of days at a sheriff’s office to make sure it’s complying with all the standards. Accreditation is for a five-year period and may be renewed indefinitely, as long as the agency continues to meet the established standards.

Special recognition was given to Deborah A. Shea, Principal Financial Clerk in the Sheriff’s Civil Office, and to Robert H. Tripp, Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher, for their work in guiding the re-accreditation effort in their respective divisions.

Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all members of our community, both online and offline. As we increasingly rely on digital platforms to connect with one another, it's essential that we address the growing concern of cyberbullying. 

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone, often anonymously. It can take many forms, including mean or hurtful messages, emails, or posts on social media, as well as the sharing of personal or embarrassing information about someone without their consent. 

The effects of cyberbullying can be devastating, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It's crucial that we take a stand against this behavior and promote a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect online. 

So, what can you do to help prevent cyberbullying? 

• Think before you post: Consider the potential impact of your words on others before sharing them online.
• Be kind and respectful: Treat others the way you want to be treated, both online and offline.
• Report suspicious behavior: If you witness or experience cyberbullying, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as school administrators or law enforcement.
• Support the victim: Reach out to those who may be affected by cyberbullying and offer your support and friendship. 

Together, we can create a safer and more compassionate online community. Remember, our words have power, and it's up to each of us to use them responsibly. 

If you or someone you know is a victim of cyberbullying, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Batavia Police Department or a trusted adult for help and support. Let's work together to create a bully-free online environment!

Previously: Farm workers union organizes protest at federal facility in Batavia after 14 migrant workers detained

In response to a story The Batavian published on Saturday, link above, and was republished by OrleansHub, Lynn-Ette & Sons, the employer of a group of migrants who were taken into custody on Friday morning, issued the following statement:

Lynn-Ette & Sons is heartbroken by the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action that resulted in the detention of 14 long-standing farm employees.

These individuals are not only vital contributors to our operations but valued members of our extended farm family—many of whom have worked alongside us for years with commitment and integrity.

We are deeply troubled by the manner in which this enforcement action was carried out and the impact it has had on our team and their families. Lynn-Ette & Sons had no prior knowledge of the raid and had no contact with ICE beforehand.

We strongly reject the United Farm Workers’ (UFW) irresponsible and self-serving public claims suggesting that these workers were targeted in retaliation for union activity. These claims are categorically false.

None of the individuals detained were part of the bargaining unit involved in the ongoing union activity on our farm. To insinuate otherwise is not only misleading but irresponsibly politicizes a painful and personal situation for the workers and their loved ones.

Lynn-Ette & Sons remains committed to the fair and respectful treatment of all our employees. We are cooperating fully with legal counsel to better understand the circumstances and to assist the affected individuals and their families where possible.

We call on elected officials and community leaders to ensure that all enforcement actions are conducted with transparency, due process, and human dignity.

UPDATE: In response, UFW issued the following statement:

In response to Lynn-Ette & Sons statement published on this website, Armando Elenes, Secretary Treasurer of the United Farm Workers, issued the following statement.

"There is in fact a bargaining unit at Lynn-Ette farm which covers seasonal workers — as Lynn-Ette is aware, an arbitrator has already been appointed by the State of New York following Lynn-Ette’s failure to negotiate a union contract for them in good faith and we are waiting for the arbitrator to issue their decision. 

It is true that the workers who were detained last Friday are not part of the current bargaining unit. This is because Lynn-Ette itself successfully argued that its year-round workers should be excluded from the unit. At the time, we argued strongly that year-round workers should be included in the same bargaining unit as their seasonal coworkers.

Given that exclusion, several year-round workers were continuing to organize to file a petition for a separate bargaining unit that would negotiate a contract for the year-round workers. Several of the workers who were leading that effort have now been detained by ICE. 

We do now know that ICE came to target the bus as a result of a tip. We demand that ICE be fully transparent about how and why and based on what information these arrests were made, including to the members of Congress who are inquiring about this very issue. 

If workers at any company were to be targeted for immigration enforcement for union organizing, that would be a violation of our Constitution's First Amendment; the right to freedom of association including with your union. Everyone should be concerned about that."