Case: Valenzuela v. Swift Beef Company, Inc.

3:06-cv-02322 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

Filed Date: Dec. 15, 2006

Closed Date: June 18, 2009

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Case Summary

This lawsuit came on the heels of immigration raids conducted by federal authorities at Swift meat packing plants throughout the country. Shortly after the raids, on December 15, 2006, a group of Swift employees filed a class action lawsuit against their employer, Swift Beef Company, Inc., and related companies, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Plaintiffs' complaint alleged that Swift engaged in a longstanding scheme to hire undocumented immigrants for the expres…

This lawsuit came on the heels of immigration raids conducted by federal authorities at Swift meat packing plants throughout the country. Shortly after the raids, on December 15, 2006, a group of Swift employees filed a class action lawsuit against their employer, Swift Beef Company, Inc., and related companies, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Plaintiffs' complaint alleged that Swift engaged in a longstanding scheme to hire undocumented immigrants for the express purpose of depressing employee wages. In furtherance of its scheme Swift recruited undocumented immigrants to work in its plants and assisted in providing them fake immigration documents.

Plaintiffs, who were represented by private counsel, alleged violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961 et seq.; Immigration Reform and Control Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1324 et seq.; and § 274 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. They sought declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as statutory damages and exemplary damages in the amount of $23 million. Defendants responded by moving to dismiss the case.

For reasons that are not apparent from the PACER docket, on October 4, 2007, the parties agreed to dismiss without prejudice two of the defendants, Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Inc. and HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC.

On December 20, 2007, the Court (Judge David C. Godbey) granted in part and denied in part defendants' motion to dismiss. The Court found that while the plaintiffs had adequately pled a claim for harboring illegal aliens under RICO, they had not pled their claim for hiring illegal aliens with sufficient factual support to satisfy the standard detailed by the Supreme Court in Bell Atlantic Corporation v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544 (2007). Since plaintiffs had not alleged that defendants had actual knowledge that the illegal aliens hired had been smuggled into the country, the Court found that their illegal hiring claim was inadequate and therefore dismissed it.

Plaintiffs amended their complaint on March 14, 2008, but the Court (Judge Godbey) again dismissed their illegal hiring claims on May 28, finding that they remained insufficiently specific.

Following some discovery disputes, plaintiffs moved for class certification on October 6, 2008. The Court (Judge Godbey) denied the motion on January 13, 2009, finding that the proposed class of all Swift employees who had the legal right to work in the United States was not clearly ascertainable, as it would not be possible to determine who belonged without "an extensive factual inquiry into thousands of employees' work authorization."

The next entry on the docket is on June 18, 2009, when the parties entered an unexplained stipulation for dismissal with prejudice. The case was terminated on the same day.

Summary Authors

Christopher Schad (6/11/2012)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

3:06-cv-02322

Docket (PACER)

Valenzuela v. Swift Beef Company Inc.

June 18, 2009

June 18, 2009

Docket
30

3:06-cv-02322

Joint Stipulation of Dismissal Without Prejudice of Defendants Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Inc. and HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC

Valenzuela v. Swift Beef Company, Inc.

Aug. 22, 2007

Aug. 22, 2007

Pleading / Motion / Brief
45

3:06-cv-02322

Order [Granting in Part and Denying in Part Defendants' Motion to Dismiss]

Dec. 20, 2007

Dec. 20, 2007

Order/Opinion
54

3:06-cv-02322

Plaintiffs' Second Amended Complaint

Valenzuela v. Swift Beef Company, Inc.

March 14, 2008

March 14, 2008

Complaint
65

3:06-cv-02322

Order [Granting Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Illegal Hiring Claims in Plaintiffs' Second Amended Complaint]

May 28, 2008

May 28, 2008

Order/Opinion
91

3:06-cv-02322

Order [Denying Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification]

Jan. 13, 2009

Jan. 13, 2009

Order/Opinion
92

3:06-cv-02322

Stipulation for Dismissal with Prejudice

June 18, 2009

June 18, 2009

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

Last updated March 23, 2024, 3:01 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

Original COMPLAINT against Swift Beef Company Inc, Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst Inc, John Does I−V filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios. (Filing fee $350; Receipt number 6993) (NOD) (axm, ) (Entered: 12/18/2006)

Dec. 15, 2006

Dec. 15, 2006

***Magistrate Judge Ramirez chosen by random selection to handle matters that may be referred in this case. (axm, ) (Entered: 12/18/2006)

Dec. 15, 2006

Dec. 15, 2006

2

Standing Order Designating Case for ECF − see order for specifics. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 12/15/2006) (axm, ) (Entered: 12/18/2006)

Dec. 18, 2006

Dec. 18, 2006

3

CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PERSONS/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios. (Heygood, Michael) (Entered: 12/19/2006)

Dec. 19, 2006

Dec. 19, 2006

4

AMENDED COMPLAINT −First− against all defendants filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios. (Heygood, Michael) (Entered: 12/28/2006)

Dec. 28, 2006

Dec. 28, 2006

5

Summons Issued as to Swift Beef Company Inc, Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst Inc. (jrb) (Entered: 02/21/2007)

Feb. 21, 2007

Feb. 21, 2007

Summons Issued as to HM Capital Partners of Dallas LLC. (see document 5 for image) (axm) (Entered: 03/08/2007)

Feb. 21, 2007

Feb. 21, 2007

6

Unopposed Motion for Enlargement of Time to File Answer , Plead, or Otherwise Move by Swift Beef Company Inc (Payne, Carol) Modified on 3/5/2007 (jb). (Entered: 03/02/2007)

March 2, 2007

March 2, 2007

7

Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer , Plead, or Otherwise Move by HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC, Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst Inc (Guy, T) (Entered: 03/07/2007)

March 7, 2007

March 7, 2007

8

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst Inc served on 2/21/2007, answer due 3/13/2007. (axm) (Entered: 03/08/2007)

March 7, 2007

March 7, 2007

9

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Swift Beef Company Inc served on 2/21/2007, answer due 3/13/2007. (axm) (Entered: 03/08/2007)

March 7, 2007

March 7, 2007

10

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to HM Capital Partners of Dallas LLC served on 2/21/2007, answer due 3/13/2007. (axm) (Entered: 03/08/2007)

March 7, 2007

March 7, 2007

11

ORDER granting 6 Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer. Swift Beef Company Inc answer due 4/16/2007. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on March 9, 2007) (mfw) (Entered: 03/09/2007)

March 9, 2007

March 9, 2007

13

Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer , Plead or Othewise Move by Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst Inc, HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC (Guy, T) (Entered: 03/30/2007)

March 30, 2007

March 30, 2007

14

Agreed ORDER granting 13 Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst Inc answer due 4/30/2007; HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC answer due 4/30/2007. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 4/2/07) (jrb) (Entered: 04/03/2007)

April 2, 2007

April 2, 2007

15

Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer , Plead, or Otherwise Move by Swift Beef Company Inc (Payne, Carol) (Entered: 04/04/2007)

April 4, 2007

April 4, 2007

16

Agreed ORDER granting 15 Defendants Swift &Company and Swift Beef Company's Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer, Plead, or Otherwise Move. Swift Beef Company Inc answer due 4/30/2007; Swift &Company answer due 4/30/2007. (see order for specifics) (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 4/6/2007) (axm) (Entered: 04/06/2007)

April 6, 2007

April 6, 2007

17

Unopposed MOTION to Enlarge Briefing Page Limit by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company (Payne, Carol) (Entered: 04/19/2007)

April 19, 2007

April 19, 2007

18

Agreed ORDER granting 17 Motion. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 4/20/07) (jrb) (Entered: 04/20/2007)

April 20, 2007

April 20, 2007

19

MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint by Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst Inc, HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC with Brief in Support. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Guy, T) (Entered: 04/30/2007)

April 30, 2007

April 30, 2007

20

MOTION to Dismiss by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company with Brief in Support. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Douglas W. Schult# 2 Exhibit 1# 3 Exhibit 2# 4 Exhibit 3# 5 Exhibit 4# 6 Exhibit 5# 7 Exhibit 6# 8 Exhibit 7# 9 Exhibit 8) (Payne, Carol) (Entered: 04/30/2007)

April 30, 2007

April 30, 2007

21

***VACATED PER ORDER OF 5/21/07***ORDER REQUIRING STATUS AND SCHEDULING CONFERENCE. The parties are directed to confer within 14 days of the date of this Order regarding matters, and report to the Court within 14 days after the conference the parties' position. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 5/1/07) (jrb) Modified on 5/21/2007 (jb). (Entered: 05/01/2007)

May 1, 2007

May 1, 2007

22

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 19 MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint , 20 MOTION to Dismiss by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Heygood, Michael) (Entered: 05/21/2007)

May 21, 2007

May 21, 2007

23

ORDER REQUIRING CLASS CERTIFICATION STATUS AND SCHEDULING CONFERENCE. The parties are directed to confer within 14 days of the date of this Order regarding matters, and report to the Court within 14 days after the conference the parties' position. See order for specifics. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 5/21/07) (jrb) (Entered: 05/21/2007)

May 21, 2007

May 21, 2007

24

ORDER granting in part and denying in part 22 Motion to Extend Time to File Response/Reply. Responses due by 7/9/2007. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 5/24/07) (jrb) (Entered: 05/24/2007)

May 24, 2007

May 24, 2007

25

STATUS REPORT (JOINT) by Leonel Ruiz, Swift Beef Company Inc, Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst Inc, John Does I−V, HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC, Jose A Serrato, Swift &Company, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios. (Payne, Carol) (Entered:

June 18, 2007

June 18, 2007

27

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Charles W Miller on behalf of all plaintiffs (Miller, Charles) (Entered: 07/06/2007)

July 6, 2007

July 6, 2007

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge David C Godbey : Status Conference held on 07/12/2007. Attorney Appearances: Plaintiff − Michael Heygood; Defense − Karen Hirschman, Carol Payne, Russell Yager, Ray Guy, Robert Castle and Aimee Blanchard. (Court Reporter Linda Robbins.) Time in Court: 30 minutes. NO PDF ATTACHED−THIS IS A VIRTUAL MINUTE ENTRY. (cxj) (Entered: 07/12/2007)

July 12, 2007

July 12, 2007

28

Agreed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 19 MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint , 20 MOTION to Dismiss by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios (Heygood, Michael) (Entered: 08/06/2007)

Aug. 6, 2007

Aug. 6, 2007

29

ORDER granting 28 Agreed Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss. Additionally, it is, ORDERED that Defendants, in turn, will have a response date of 14−days thereafter, or until Friday, September 7, 2007. Responses due by 8/24/2007. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 08/10/2007) (axm) (Entered: 08/13/2007)

Aug. 10, 2007

Aug. 10, 2007

30

Joint MOTION to Dismiss/Joint Stipulation of Dismissal without Prejudice by Leonel Ruiz, Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst Inc, HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios (Heygood, Michael) Modified on 8/23/2007 (jb). (Entered: 08/22/2007)

Aug. 22, 2007

Aug. 22, 2007

31

RESPONSE filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 20 MOTION to Dismiss and Plaintiffs' Brief in Support (Heygood, Michael) (Entered: 08/24/2007)

Aug. 24, 2007

Aug. 24, 2007

32

Appendix in Support filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 31 Response to Motion, In Support of Plaintiffs' Response to Motion to Dismiss − Volume 1 of 4 (Heygood, Michael) (Entered: 08/24/2007)

Aug. 24, 2007

Aug. 24, 2007

33

Appendix in Support filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 31 Response to Motion, In Support of Plaintiffs' Response to Motion to Dismiss − Volume 2 of 4 (Heygood, Michael) (Entered: 08/24/2007)

Aug. 24, 2007

Aug. 24, 2007

34

Appendix in Support filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 31 Response to Motion, In Support of Plaintiffs' Response to Motion to Dismiss − Volume 3 of 4 (Heygood, Michael) (Entered: 08/24/2007)

Aug. 24, 2007

Aug. 24, 2007

35

Appendix in Support filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 31 Response to Motion, In Support of Plaintiffs' Response to Motion to Dismiss − Volume 4 of 4 (Heygood, Michael) (Entered: 08/24/2007)

Aug. 24, 2007

Aug. 24, 2007

36

Unopposed MOTION to Withdraw and Substitute Counsel by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company (Carroll, Kenneth) (Entered: 08/29/2007)

Aug. 29, 2007

Aug. 29, 2007

37

Application and Order for Admission Pro Hac Vice by Robert E Youle for Swift Beef Company Inc and Swift &Company. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 8/30/2007) (tln) (Entered: 08/31/2007)

Aug. 30, 2007

Aug. 30, 2007

38

Application and Order for Admission Pro Hac Vice by Brian G Eberle for Swift Beef Company Inc and Swift &Company. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 8/30/2007) (tln) (Entered: 08/31/2007)

Aug. 30, 2007

Aug. 30, 2007

39

Application and Order for Admission Pro Hac Vice by Jerome H Sturhahn for Swift Beef Company Inc and Swift &Company. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 8/30/2007) (tln) (Entered: 08/31/2007)

Aug. 30, 2007

Aug. 30, 2007

40

Unopposed MOTION Enlarge Briefing Page Limit for Reply re 31 Response to Motion to Dismiss, by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company.(Carroll, Kenneth) Modified on 9/5/2007 (lmp). (Entered: 09/04/2007)

Sept. 4, 2007

Sept. 4, 2007

41

ORDER granting 36 Unopposed MOTION to Withdraw and Substitute Counsel. ORDERS, ADJUDGES, DECREES AND DECLARES that Carol C. Payne and Karen L. Hirschman and the law firm of Vinson &Elkins L.L.P. are withdrawn as counsel of record for the Swift Defendants, and Ken Carroll and Thomas Allen and the law firm of Carrington, Coleman, Sloman &Blumenthal, L.L.P., and Robert E. Youle, Brian G. Eberle, and Jerome H. Sturhahn and the law firm Sherman &Howard L.L.C. are hereby substituted as counsel for the Swift Defendants in the above−styled action. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 9/4/07) (svc) (Entered: 09/05/2007)

Sept. 4, 2007

Sept. 4, 2007

42

REPLY filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company re 20 MOTION to Dismiss (Youle, Robert) (Entered: 09/07/2007)

Sept. 7, 2007

Sept. 7, 2007

43

ORDER granting 40 Motion to Enlarge Briefing Page Limit for Reply re 31 Response to Motion to Dismiss. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 09/18/2007) (axm) (Entered: 09/18/2007)

Sept. 18, 2007

Sept. 18, 2007

44

ORDER granting 30 Joint Stipulation of Dismissal Without Prejudice of Defendants Hicks, Muse, Tate &Furst, Inc. and HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC (the "HM Defendants"). Each party shall bear its, his, or her own costs, expenses, and attorneys' fees incurred. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 10/4/07) (klm) (Entered: 10/05/2007)

Oct. 4, 2007

Oct. 4, 2007

45

ORDER granting in part and denying in part 20 Motion to Dismiss. See order for specifics. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 12/20/2007) (axm) (Entered: 12/20/2007)

Dec. 20, 2007

Dec. 20, 2007

46

ANSWER to Amended Complaint by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company (Eberle, Brian) (Entered: 01/10/2008)

Jan. 10, 2008

Jan. 10, 2008

47

CLASS CERTIFICATION SCHEDULING ORDER. Plaintiffs must serve on defendants (but NOT file with the Court) their motion for class certification within 45 days of this Order. The motion must comply with Local Rule 23.2 (except paragraph (f)), and must be accompanied by all supporting evidence, including expert testimony, if any, and supporting brief. The Court will consider class certification on written submission on August 22, 2008 (the "Submission Date"). The Court may, at its discretion, by separate order set a hearing on class certification. See order for details. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on January 16, 2008) (jyg) (Entered: 01/17/2008)

Jan. 16, 2008

Jan. 16, 2008

48

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Charles W Miller for Eric D. Pearson on behalf of Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios. (Miller, Charles) (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 8, 2008

Feb. 8, 2008

49

MOTION to Extend Deadlines in the Court's Class Certification Scheduling Order by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios (Attachments: # 1 Appendix) (Miller, Charles) Modified on 2/12/2008 (klm). (Entered: 02/11/2008)

Feb. 11, 2008

Feb. 11, 2008

50

ORDER as to 49 Motion To Extend Time. Responses due by 2/22/2008. Motion Hearing set for 2/25/2008 04:30 PM before Judge David C Godbey. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 2/15/08) (tln) (Entered: 02/15/2008)

Feb. 15, 2008

Feb. 15, 2008

51

RESPONSE in Opposition filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company re 49 MOTION to Extend Deadlines in the Court's Class Certification Scheduling Order. (Youle, Robert) Modified on 2/25/2008 (klm). (Entered: 02/22/2008)

Feb. 22, 2008

Feb. 22, 2008

52

Appendix in Support filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company re 51 Response in Opposition (Youle, Robert) (Entered: 02/22/2008)

Feb. 22, 2008

Feb. 22, 2008

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge David C Godbey: Discovery Hearing as to Plaintiff's motion to extend deadlines in the Court's Class Certification Scheduling Order held on 02/25/2008. An order will be entered at a later date. Attorney Appearances: Plaintiff − Michael Heygood and Eric Pearson; Defense − Ken Carroll and Rob Youle. (Court Reporter Linda Robbins.) Time in Court: 5 minutes. NO PDF ATTACHED − THIS IS A VIRTUAL MINUTE ENTRY. (cxj) (Entered: 02/26/2008)

Feb. 25, 2008

Feb. 25, 2008

53

AMENDED CLASS CERTIFICATION SCHEDULING ORDER. (See Order for specifics) (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 3/11/08) (skt) (Entered: 03/12/2008)

March 11, 2008

March 11, 2008

54

Second Amended Complaint against all defendants filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios. (Miller, Charles) Modified on 3/18/2008 (lmp). (Entered: 03/14/2008)

March 14, 2008

March 14, 2008

55

Unopposed MOTION for Protective Order by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit A) (Sturhahn, Jerome) (Entered: 03/20/2008)

March 20, 2008

March 20, 2008

56

JOINT STIPULATION AND PROTECTIVE ORDER. (see order for specifics) (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 3/28/08) (tln) (Entered: 03/28/2008)

March 28, 2008

March 28, 2008

57

MOTION to Dismiss Portions of the Second Amended Complaint by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company (Youle, Robert) (Entered: 03/31/2008)

March 31, 2008

March 31, 2008

58

Appendix in Support filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company re 57 MOTION to Dismiss Portions of the Second Amended Complaint (Youle, Robert) (Entered: 03/31/2008)

March 31, 2008

March 31, 2008

59

Stipulated MOTION to Modify Amended Class Certification 53 Scheduling Order by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Youle, Robert) Modified on 4/8/2008 (axm). (Entered: 04/07/2008)

April 7, 2008

April 7, 2008

60

ORDER granting 59 Stipulated Motion to Modify the Amended Class Certification Scheduling Order. The Amended Scheduling Order is modified to extend the Submission Date set forth in paragraph 1 by 45 days from August 22 until October 6, 2008. All other provisions of the Amended Scheduling Order shall remain unchanged. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 4/10/2008) (axm) (Entered: 04/11/2008)

April 10, 2008

April 10, 2008

61

RESPONSE filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 57 MOTION to Dismiss Portions of the Second Amended Complaint and Brief in Support (Pearson, Eric) (Entered: 04/16/2008)

April 16, 2008

April 16, 2008

62

REPLY BRIEF filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company re 57 MOTION to Dismiss Portions of the Second Amended Complaint (Youle, Robert) Modified on 5/1/2008 (jrb). (Entered: 05/01/2008)

May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008

63

MOTION for Leave to File Amended Motion for Class Certification filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios with Brief/Memorandum in Support. (Pearson, Eric) (Entered: 05/28/2008)

May 28, 2008

May 28, 2008

64

Appendix in Support filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 63 MOTION for Leave to File Amended Motion for Class Certification (Pearson, Eric) (Entered: 05/28/2008)

May 28, 2008

May 28, 2008

65

ORDER granting 57 Defendants Swift Beef Company, Inc. and Swift &Company's Motion to Dismiss Portions of the Second Amended Complaint. Accordingly, the Court once again dismisses Plaintiffs' illegal hiring claims, this time with prejudice. (see order) (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 5/28/08) (klm) (Entered: 05/29/2008)

May 28, 2008

May 28, 2008

66

RESPONSE in Opposition filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company re 63 MOTION for Leave to File Amended Motion for Class Certification (Youle, Robert) (Entered: 06/17/2008)

June 17, 2008

June 17, 2008

67

MOTION to Compel and Request/MOTION for Expedited Hearing filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company with Brief in Support. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Eberle, Brian) Modified on 6/24/2008 (jyg). (Entered: 06/23/2008)

June 23, 2008

June 23, 2008

68

Appendix in Support filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company re 67 MOTION to Compel and Request/MOTION for Expedited Hearing, and Brief in Support (Eberle, Brian) Modified on 6/24/2008 (jyg). (Entered: 06/23/2008)

June 23, 2008

June 23, 2008

69

ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that an expedited hearing is scheduled in this case on Monday, July 7, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. on Defendants' Motion to Compel filed June 23, 2008. Plaintiffs' response should be filed on or before July 3, 2008. (See Order for specifics) (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 6/27/08) (skt) (Entered: 06/27/2008)

June 27, 2008

June 27, 2008

70

RESPONSE filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 67 MOTION to Compel and Brief in Support (Pearson, Eric) Modified on 7/3/2008 (skt). (Entered: 07/02/2008)

July 2, 2008

July 2, 2008

71

Appendix in Support filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 70 Response to Motion, (Pearson, Eric) (Entered: 07/02/2008)

July 2, 2008

July 2, 2008

72

ORDER. This Order addresses Defendants Swift and Company and Swift Beef Company's (collectively, Swift) motion to compel 67 . The Court finds that the requested discovery bears on factors pertinent to the Rule 23 inquiry and therefore overrules Plaintiffs' objections to Swift's interrogatories nos. 2−5 and document request no. 2. Plaintiffs shall supplement their discovery responses by July 21, 2008. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 7/7/08) (jyg) (Entered: 07/07/2008)

July 7, 2008

July 7, 2008

74

Appendix in Support filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 73 MOTION to Compel and Request for Expedited Hearing (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit) (Pearson, Eric) (Entered: 07/18/2008)

July 18, 2008

July 18, 2008

REQUEST/MOTION for Expedited Hearing filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios. (see doc. 73 for image) (klm) (Entered: 07/18/2008)

July 18, 2008

July 18, 2008

75

ORDER REFERRING 73 Plaintiff's Motion to Compel. Motion(s) referred to Magistrate Judge Irma C Ramirez. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 7/24/2008) (axm) (Entered: 07/24/2008)

July 24, 2008

July 24, 2008

76

Standing Order for Electronic Filings Related to Matters Referred to the United States Magistrate Judge − see order for specifics. (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 7/24/08) (klm) (Entered: 07/24/2008)

July 24, 2008

July 24, 2008

77

ORDER as to 73 Motion to Compel and Request for Expedited Hearing. Motion Hearing scheduled for 7/31/2008 at 11:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Irma C Ramirez in Room 1566. (see order for specifics) (Signed by Magistrate Judge Irma C Ramirez on 7/24/08) (tln) Modified on 7/24/2008 (caw). (Entered: 07/24/2008)

July 24, 2008

July 24, 2008

78

NOTICE of cancellation of hearing re: 73 MOTION to Compel and Request for Expedited Hearing filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios (Pearson, Eric) (Entered: 07/29/2008)

July 29, 2008

July 29, 2008

79

ORDER denying as moot 73 Plaintiffs' Motion to Compel and Request for Expedited Hearing. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Irma C Ramirez on 7/29/2008) (axm) (Entered: 07/30/2008)

July 29, 2008

July 29, 2008

80

Joint MOTION for Permission to Exceed Prescribed Page Limitations for Class Certification Briefing re 60 Order on Motion to Amend/Correct, filed by Leonel Ruiz, Swift Beef Company Inc, Jose A Serrato, Swift &Company, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Eberle, Brian) (Entered: 09/22/2008)

Sept. 22, 2008

Sept. 22, 2008

81

ORDER granting 80 Joint MOTION for Permission to Exceed Prescribed Page Limitations for Class Certification. (see order) (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 09/23/08) (lmp) (Entered: 09/24/2008)

Sept. 23, 2008

Sept. 23, 2008

82

ORDER granting 63 Motion for Leave to File Amended Motion for Class Certification. (see order) (Signed by Judge David C Godbey on 09/24/08) (lmp) (Entered: 09/25/2008)

Sept. 24, 2008

Sept. 24, 2008

83

MOTION to Certify Class filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios (Pearson, Eric) (Entered: 10/06/2008)

Oct. 6, 2008

Oct. 6, 2008

85

Appendix in Support filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 84 Brief/Memorandum in Support of Motion, re Class Certification (Attachments: # 1 Appendix pages 1−25, # 2 Appendix pages 26−100, # 3 Appendix pages 101−130, # 4 Appendix pages 131−150, # 5 Appendix pages 151−204, # 6 Appendix pages 205−250, # 7 Appendix pages 251−300, # 8 Appendix pages 301−344, # 9 Appendix pages 345−561, # 10 Appendix pages 562−607, # 11 Appendix pages 608−641, # 12 Appendix pages 642−700, # 13 Appendix pages 701−750, # 14 Appendix pages 751−800, # 15 Appendix pages 801−843, # 16 Appendix pages 844−867) (Pearson, Eric) (Entered: 10/06/2008)

Oct. 6, 2008

Oct. 6, 2008

86

Plaintiffs'Reply Brief In Support of 83 MOTION to Certify Class filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios (Pearson, Eric) Modified on 10/6/2008 (svc). (Entered: 10/06/2008)

Oct. 6, 2008

Oct. 6, 2008

87

Appendix in Support filed by Leonel Ruiz, Jose A Serrato, Josie Rendon, Clara Tovar, Blanca Valenzuela, Consuelo Espino, Maria Avila, Ernestina Navarrette, Maria E Munoz, Amanda Salcido, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Jose Oliva, Rafaela Chavez, Elodia Arroyo, Margie Salazar, Susana Cardiel, Gracie Rios re 86 Reply to Response to Motion, re Class Certification (Attachments: # 1 Appendix pages 1−35) (Pearson, Eric) (Entered: 10/06/2008)

Oct. 6, 2008

Oct. 6, 2008

88

RESPONSE in Opposition filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company re 83 MOTION to Certify Class (Allen, Thomas) (Entered: 10/06/2008)

Oct. 6, 2008

Oct. 6, 2008

89

Appendix in Support filed by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company re 88 Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification (Attachments: # 1 Part 1, # 2 Part 2, # 3 Part 3, # 4 Part 4) (Allen, Thomas) (Entered: 10/06/2008)

Oct. 6, 2008

Oct. 6, 2008

91

ORDER denying 83 Motion for Class Certification. (See Order) (Ordered by Judge David C Godbey on 1/13/09) (skt) (Entered: 01/14/2009)

Jan. 13, 2009

Jan. 13, 2009

92

STIPULATION for Dismissal With Prejudice by Swift Beef Company Inc, Swift &Company, Elodia Arroyo, Maria Avila, Susana Cardiel, Rafaela Chavez, Consuelo Espino, Maria E Munoz, Ernestina Navarrette, Jose Oliva, Candelario G Ortega, Maria Ortiz, Josie Rendon, Garcie Rios, Leonel Ruiz, Margie Salazar, Amanda Salcido, Jose A Serrato. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Eberle, Brian) Modified on 6/19/2009 (axm). (Entered: 06/18/2009)

June 18, 2009

June 18, 2009

***Civil Case Terminated per Stipulation of Dismissal (LR 41.1). (axm) (Entered: 06/19/2009)

June 18, 2009

June 18, 2009

Case Details

State / Territory: Texas

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 15, 2006

Closing Date: June 18, 2009

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All persons legally authorized to be employed in the U.S., who have been employed at the Swift facilities as hourly wage earners.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Unknown

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Denied

Defendants

Swift Beef Company, Inc., Private Entity/Person

Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Inc, Private Entity/Person

HM Capital Partners of Dallas, LLC, Private Entity/Person

Swift & Company, Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101 et seq.

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961 et seq.

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Employer sanctions

Employment