ICE agents make arrests at Aquila Dairy farm (Huron Daily Tribune)

ICE agents make arrests at Aquila Dairy farm
Published: Wednesday, October 6, 2010 11:39 AM EDT

By STACY LANGLEY
Tribune Staff Writer

COLFAX TWP — A morning raid at the Aquila Dairy Farm located along Soper Road ended with the farm owners being taking away by federal agents in handcuffs.

The Michigan State Police from the Bad Axe post assisted the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from Detroit in executing arrest warrants for Johannes M. VerHaar, 49, and his wife, Anthonia M. VerHaar, 47, shortly after 8 a.m.

Det./Sgt. Mark Krebs said the couple is being charged with “encouraging and inducing illegal aliens to reside in the United States, harboring illegal aliens and aiding and abetting such acts.”

Each of the felony charges the couple faces carries a possible penalty of up to five years in federal prison. The VerHaars were transported by ICE agents from their farm to Bay City, where they will be arraigned today in U.S. District Court on charges.

At the time the arrest warrants were executed at the farm, ICE agents also searched various properties belonging to the VerHaars for illegal immigrants. No other arrests were made Wednesday.

Look to Thursday’s Tribune for a follow up to this story.