There has long been tension between union members and immigrant workers in Mississippi, with many unions fearing that their jobs and extra hours were going to illegal immigrants, and many immigrants reporting scare tactics used to force them to join unions. Approximately 600 suspected illegal immigrants were detained in Mississippi Monday, and many fellow employees literally applauded the raid. Those who didn?t however, fear the negative consequences for the economy of removing 600 who paid sales tax at stores like Wal-Mart. There is potential also for increased wage costs and therefore, increased product and service prices.
See "Factory had tensions between union, immigrants", Holbrook Mohr, The Washington Post, August 27, 2008