![U of I Urban and Regional Planning Professor Faranak Miraftab discusses her research of Beardstown at the University YMCA Friday.](https://will.illinois.edu/images/uploads/43742/img_7676__medium.jpg)
UI Planning Prof: Immigrant Residents In Beardstown ‘Fearful’ Of Deportations
Recent deportation raids targeting undocumented immigrants around the country have raised concerns in the Illinois River community of Beardstown, where a local meatpacking plant has attracted many immigrant workers. University of Illinois planning professor Faranak Miraftab has made a study of Beardstown, and the JBS meatpacking plant there that employs workers from Mexico, West Africa and other places.