NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) - Federal immigration authorities say they've released 45 people who were detained in a raid on a Massachusetts leather goods company yesterday.

They were freed because they were sole caregivers to children.

Dozens of children were stranded at schools and with babysitters after the raid swept up 327 of the 500 workers at the New Bedford company. The owner and three top managers were arrested

Immigration officials say eight pregnant women were also released for humanitarian reasons, but no more releases are planned.

They say the raid was coordinated in advance with the state social services agency, and those who remain in custody have been given the option of letting their children stay with a guardian or putting them in state care.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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