Post-Raid Postville Seeking Federal Disaster Aid

The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division expressed doubt Tuesday that it could provide assistance following the Postville City Council’s declaration of the town as a humanitarian and economic disaster area.

Disaster declarations are based on natural emergencies, ‘so I don’t know how that would qualify,’ said division spokesman Bret Voorhees.

The resolution, passed unanimously by the council Monday night, was sent to state officials Tuesday in an effort to secure financial assistance for the community devastated after a May 12 federal immigration raid that led to the recent closing of town’s leading employer, kosher meatpacker Agriprocessors Inc.   For the full story, click here.

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