Perham, Otter Tail County (trfnews.i234.me) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, visited Shearer’s Foods on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
The company said the visit involved one employee.
What the company said
Shearer’s said the employee was hired before the company acquired the Perham facility.
The employee cooperated with agents, the company said.
The company said the employee went with the agents.
Shearer’s said no other employees were involved.
The company also said plant operations were not disrupted.
Shearer’s said several people who were not employees gathered outside the facility.
The company said some recorded video and contacted local law enforcement.
Police responded and found no public safety issue, according to the company.
Witness video and police response
Rand Stolee, a Perham resident, said he watched the incident from outside the plant.
He said the agents arrived in unmarked vehicles.
He said he did not see badges.
Stolee said he tried to go inside but was not allowed in.
“I stood outside and waited,” Stolee said.
He said the wait lasted about an hour.
He said an agent told him not to interfere.
Stolee said he told the agent he would not interfere.
Stolee said a manager later told him he was on private property.
He said he was told he was trespassing.
Stolee said he called 911 during the incident.
He said he wanted the process to stay legal.
The Perham police chief said people can record from a safe distance.
The chief urged people not to interfere with officers.
School and business updates
Nancy Belka, human resources director at KLN Family Brands, said ICE had not visited any KLN businesses as of early Tuesday afternoon.
She spoke to the Perham Focus.
Mitch Anderson, superintendent of Perham-Dent Public Schools, addressed rumors about ICE in schools.
“At this time, we have not had any attempts to access students or student information,” Anderson said.
Shearer’s said it is cooperating with authorities.
The company said it is complying with employment and immigration laws.
Shearer’s said it will not provide more details due to employee privacy.
Related links
- Perham Focus report on the Perham visit
- ICE: Worksite Enforcement Investigations
- USCIS: Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification)
- E-Verify (official site)
- Employer guide: What to do if immigration comes to your workplace (PDF)
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.