WATERLOO, IA-- Immigration rights activists are concerned

that the federal government may be planning an immigration raid on

workers in Waterloo similar to one carried out in Marshalltown in

2006.

Several activists gathered today at a Waterloo church and at the

home of a local social worker to discuss what they consider to be

an impending raid.

Discussions were prompted by an announcement last week that

federal officials have leased the National Cattle Congress

fairgrounds in Waterloo.

Immigration activists say they fear the fairgrounds is being

prepared as a detention center.

Federal officials have refused to comment on whether they're

planning an immigration raid.

The activists are discussing strategies for caring for children

and identifying detainees after a raid.

Sol Varisco-Santini of Catholic Charities in Des Moines says the

stress level is high.

An information session held at the Queen of Peace Catholic

Church after a noon mass in Spanish, included several handouts that

detail what people should do when confronted by police, and

provided contact information for immigration attorneys in Iowa.

In December 2006, immigration officials raided the Swift & Co.

meatpacking plant in Marshalltown. Several workers were taken to

Camp Dodge in Johnston and held in military barracks.

Tyson Foods Inc. owns a meatpacking plant in Waterloo.