Kings Mountain ICE Raid: 30 Detained at Factory in NC

On June 25, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), backed by federal, state, and local partners, executed a surprise raid at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. The factory, known for manufacturing fire extinguishers and suppression systems, was raided based on allegations of aggravated identity theft and employment of undocumented workers. The operation resulted in the detention of 30 individuals and swiftly triggered community concern and legal scrutiny.

What is Buckeye Fire Equipment Company?

Founded in 1968, Buckeye Fire Equipment is a family-owned manufacturer specializing in handheld/wheeled fire extinguishers, fire-suppressing foam, kitchen suppression systems, and industrial gas/flame detection systems.
With defense-related contracts, it serves various industries, including emergency services and industrial clients .

Why the Factory Was Raided

Allegations of Identity Theft

ICE stated the raid was part of an ongoing criminal probe centered on aggravated identity theft—specifically the alleged use of fraudulent documents to employ unauthorized workers .

Illegal Employment Practices

Federal agencies suspected that many factory workers were unauthorized to work in the U.S., using fake IDs or Social Security numbers.

The ICE Operation: How It Unfolded

Pre-Dawn Surprise

Agents arrived unannounced around 1 PM local time, executing a criminal search warrant. They entered in tactical gear—some with assault rifles—ordered employees to halt recording, and confiscated mobile phones.

Detainment and Questioning

Approximately 300 employees were inside. ICE detained 30 individuals for questioning; verified citizens were marked with blue wristbands and released.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

This raid involved a coalition of federal and local agencies including the FBI, U.S. Marshals, CBP, IRS, SSA OIG, DEA, ATF, NC National Guard, and local law enforcement (ice.gov).

Community Reaction and Human Impact

Fear and Confusion

Workers expressed fear during the raid. U.S. citizen employee Eric Pinon recounted being forced to stop recording when ICE confiscated his phone.

Family Anxiety

Family members gathered outside the factory in distress, uncertain about their loved ones’ fate; a teenager described her fear, not knowing if her mother would return home.

Community Support

Local businesses and residents rallied to support the detained families, offering food, shelter, and legal assistance .

Legal Framework and Rights

Need for Judicial Warrant

ICE was required to obtain a judicially approved criminal search warrant to enter non-public areas of the factory.

Workers’ Legal Rights

Immigration rights groups emphasize:

Possessing a warrant, but individuals retain right to legal counsel,
Not obligated to answer questions without legal representation,
Allowed to observe detention and treatment.

Broader Enforcement Trends

ICE Targeting Employers

This raid exemplifies ICE’s growing crackdown on employers accused of using undocumented workers via identity fraud and fake documents.

Multi-Agency Enforcement

Complex operations like this one are increasingly joint efforts involving multiple federal agencies to tackle identity theft, fraud, and immigration violations.

What Happens Next?

Investigations Continue: ICE may file charges under identity theft or employment laws.
Legal Fallout: Detained workers are likely to pursue legal representation; community advocates are mobilizing support.
Industry Oversight: Employers may face stricter audits on worker documentation and compliance.
Political Debate: The event adds to broader national conversations on immigration enforcement and workers’ rights.

FAQ

1. Why was Buckeye Fire Equipment targeted?
ICE suspected the factory employed undocumented workers using fraudulent IDs, prompting a criminal warrant focused on identity theft.

2. How many people were arrested?
Thirty individuals were detained; they were among approximately 300 workers present during the raid.

3. Were the raids legal?
Yes. ICE executed the raid under a court-approved criminal warrant, which is a standard requirement for entering non-public areas.

4. What rights do workers have?
Workers may refuse to answer questions without counsel, observe family contact, and seek legal representation.

5. Will this affect the factory’s operations?
Potentially. Depending on outcomes, the factory could face charges, reputational harm, or regulatory scrutiny.

Helpful Resources

“ICE executes federal search warrant at Buckeye Fire Equipment” — ICE.gov (wbtv.com, ice.gov)
“ICE confirms 30 arrested at Kings Mountain business” — WBTV (wbtv.com)
“Kings Mountain ICE Raid Sparks Fear” — WFAE (youtube.com)
“ICE agents raid Kings Mountain fire equipment factory” — Firehouse.com (firehouse.com)
“NBC News: Employees describe detainment” — WRAL/NBC

Conclusion:

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