ICE raids in NW Ga.; Rivian plant construction plans; Religious freedom bill signed

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: ICE Raids in NW Ga.; Rivian Plant Construction Plans; Religious Freedom Bill Signed Release Date: April 4, 2025 Host: Orlando Montoya

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1. ICE Raids in Bartow County: Labor Trafficking Crackdown

Federal immigration authorities intensified their efforts in northwest Georgia's Bartow County, conducting raids targeting labor trafficking operations. A significant labor trafficking raid at a flooring manufacturer led to the charging of two men with felony labor trafficking, accused of fraud, coercion, and harassment. These illicit activities adversely affected at least 60 victims, many of whom were from China.

Key Details:

• Stephen Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta, clarified that the raids did not result in mass deportations. He stated at [01:43]: “There were no mass deportations. No one that was encountered at that site has been yet removed from the United States. Largely we were focused on foreign nationals that were being victimized by US Labor.”

The operations have sparked fear and confusion among migrant workers in the area. Over the past two weeks, multiple agencies have collaborated to strengthen enforcement on both immigration and criminal law violations.

2. Legislative Updates: Budget Approval and Religious Freedom Bill

On the final day of the 2025 legislative session, Georgia lawmakers made several pivotal decisions:

• Budget Approval: The Georgia House of Representatives and the Senate agreed on a $37 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, emphasizing improvements in the prison system, student mental health, and the Georgia Promise Scholarship program. Matt Hatchett, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, highlighted the budget's focus on public safety and education.

• Religious Freedom Bill: Governor Brian Kemp signed SB36, the Religious Restoration or Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), into law at [02:36]. Kemp asserted, “...the state is, quote, no place for hate.” The law prohibits government interference with an individual's exercise of religion. However, critics argue that SB36 may permit discrimination against marginalized groups under the guise of religious freedom.

Quotes:

• Brian Kemp at [02:36]: “Today I signed SB36, also known as the Religious Restoration or Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA, ensuring that once again at the state level that Georgians are protected, including Georgians of faith.”

The budget includes a new $250 state income tax credit for parents of children aged 5 and under, along with allocations for literacy initiatives and increasing prison staff. Governor Kemp retains the power to veto specific line items within the budget.

3. Rivian's Georgia Plant Construction Plans Resumed

Automaker Rivian has recommenced construction on its new factory near Social Circle, east of Atlanta. Amanda Andrews reported at [05:13] that construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the first vehicles expected in 2028. The plant will produce the R2 and R3 midsize SUV models, projecting the creation of 7,500 jobs by 2030.

Key Details:

• Peebles Squire, Rivian spokesperson, emphasized alignment with the Trump administration's focus on domestic manufacturing: “The narrative here is all really about on-shoring those jobs, bringing us manufacturing back, and we're certainly aligned with the administration on that. And ultimately in Georgia, that means 7,500 jobs by 2030 that people you know can be proud to have” [05:38].

Rivian has also opened a showroom in Alpharetta, allowing consumers to view vehicles firsthand.

4. Economic Impact of Tariffs on Georgia Businesses

The introduction of new tariffs by the Trump administration has introduced economic uncertainty, particularly affecting mergers and acquisitions within Georgia. Chris Fagan from Moore Colson highlighted the adverse effects of tariffs on business transactions at [06:02].

Key Points:

• Tariffs are disrupting Georgia exports, especially from sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
• China, Georgia's third-largest export market, imposed a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods effective April 10.
• Stephen Schrank noted the challenges businesses face in transacting under these economic conditions: “...most of the work they're doing now, they've already quoted eight to ten months ago before these tariffs were even being discussed. Makes it hard for them to transact in an economy like this” [06:21].

5. Funding Cuts Impact Georgia Humanities

The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency slashed the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) budget by 80%, leading to the immediate cancellation of all grants to Georgia Humanities. This organization, pivotal for over 50 years, supports cultural and educational programming, including the New Georgia Encyclopedia and National History Day. Officials warn that most programs will cease without this funding.

6. Health Initiative: Promoting Physical Activity Among Georgia Youth

With only 18% of Georgia children aged 6 to 17 meeting the recommended daily exercise requirements, a new program aims to address this issue. Ellen Eldredge reported on Health Empowers initiatives at [08:02], which challenges young Georgians to collectively achieve 25 million minutes of physical activity by 2025.

Quotes:

• Jennifer Owens, President and CEO of Health Empowers, stated at [08:26]: “Yes, moving your body is important. Yes, eating the right food is important. And also how does that connect to our brain and our emotions and the way we relate to one another. This could potentially be transformative in terms of how we raise up this next generation.”

The program is being implemented through schools, daycare centers, and community groups to foster lifelong healthy habits and improve emotional wellness.

7. Elections and Memorials: Public Service Commission Seats and Black Caddies Memorial

Georgia voters are set to choose from eight candidates to fill two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. This body regulates utility charges, including those of Georgia Power. The elections cover Districts 2 and 3, encompassing areas from Atlanta's eastern suburbs to core metro counties like Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton. The primary registration deadline is May 19, with early voting commencing May 27.

Additionally, a new memorial honoring generations of black caddies at Augusta National Golf Club was unveiled. Chase McGee covered this story at [10:34], highlighting a 25-foot-tall, 1,200-pound golf tee featuring the faces of local black caddies.

Quotes:

• Brian Kemp participated in the memorial unveiling, expressing gratitude: “I'm just privileged to be here with everybody... let them show you that, you know, you ain't forgotten” [11:03].

8. Featured Book: "The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander" by Denny Brice

The podcast featured a discussion with author Denny Brice about his historical fiction novel, "The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander". Set a century ago, the book delves into a sensational divorce case that ignited debates over race and class in the Roaring Twenties.

Key Insights:

• The story revolves around Alice Jones and Leonard Kip Rhinelander, highlighting an interracial marriage and the societal challenges they faced.
• Brice emphasizes the persistent relevance of media scrutiny and the nature of celebrity, drawing parallels between the 1920s and today.

Quotes:

• Denny Brice at [14:25]: “...she made such a crazy decision. But when she thought she was going to lose the case, she changed and said, and it was a headline story and the article said, all this while she's denying that she's Negro... I truly believe they were in love.”

Brice's research uncovered limited personal documentation, relying on public records like Alice's tombstone to piece together the narrative.

9. Sports Update: Atlanta Braves' Season Struggles

As spring unfolds, Atlanta sports fans are gearing up for the Braves' home opener against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park. Manager Brian Snitger is under pressure to turn around the team's performance after a historically poor start, including a recent loss where Atlanta squandered a 5-0 lead to lose 6-5 to the Dodgers and a 0-9 opening streak in 2016 that led to a last-place finish.

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Conclusion This episode of Georgia Today provided comprehensive coverage of significant events impacting Georgia, from federal immigration actions and economic challenges to legislative milestones and cultural initiatives. Listeners were offered in-depth insights into how these developments shape the state's socio-economic landscape.

For more detailed stories and updates, visit gpb.org/news.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Brian Kemp at [02:36]: “Today I signed SB36, also known as the Religious Restoration or Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA, ensuring that once again at the state level that Georgians are protected, including Georgians of faith.”

• Stephen Schrank at [01:43]: “There were no mass deportations. No one that was encountered at that site has been yet removed from the United States. Largely we were focused on foreign nationals that were being victimized by US Labor.”

• Peebles Squire at [05:38]: “The narrative here is all really about on shoring those jobs, bringing us manufacturing back, and we're certainly aligned with the administration on that. And ultimately in Georgia, that means 7,500 jobs by 2030 that people you know can be proud to have.”

• Jennifer Owens at [08:26]: “Yes, moving your body is important. Yes, eating the right food is important. And also how does that connect to our brain and our emotions and the way we relate to one another. This could potentially be transformative in terms of how we raise up this next generation.”

• Brian Kemp at [11:03]: “I'm just privileged to be here with everybody... let them show you that, you know, you ain't forgotten.”

Transcript

[Chase McGee]

DBHDD has an urgent warning for all Georgians. One of every ten counterfeit pills contains fentanyl, a powerful and very deadly drug. Pills from friends or dealers are unsafe and one pill can cause an overdose. More [e-mail].

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to Georgia Today. This podcast features the latest reports from the GPB news team on today's episode. Authorities are providing more details about ICE raids in Bartow County. Automaker Rivian has resumed its construction plans for a new plant in Georgia. And Governor Brian Kemp has signed the Religious Freedom Bill into law.

[Brian Kemp]

Today I signed SB36, also known as the Religious Restoration or Religious Freedom Restoration act, or RFRA.

[Orlando Montoya]

Today is Friday, April 4th. I'm Orlando Montoya. Federal immigration authorities are providing details about recent operations in Georgia, including a labor trafficking raid at a flooring manufacturer and other locations in northwest Georgia's Bartow County. Authorities charged two men with felony labor trafficking, alleging fraud, coercion and harassment. Horrific working conditions that impacted at least 60 victims, many from China. But the raid last week also caused fear and confusion among migrant workers in the area. Stephen Schrank, special agent in charge of Homeland Security investigations in Atlanta, addressed those concerns today.

[Stephen Schrank]

There were no mass deportations. No one that was encountered at that site has been yet removed from the United States. Largely we were focused on foreign nationals that were being victimized by US Laborer, he says.

[Orlando Montoya]

In the past two weeks, several agencies have come together to surge enforcement on both immigration and criminal law violations. Georgia lawmakers still have many decisions to make today, the last day of their 2025 legislative session. This morning, they agreed to Grant A new $250 state income tax credit for parents of children ages 5 and under, also passing this morning the Religious Freedom Bill. Governor Kemp signed the bill into law this morning, saying the state is, quote, no place for hate.

[Brian Kemp]

Today I signed SB36, also known as the Religious Restoration or Religious Freedom Restoration act, or rfra, ensuring that once again at the state level that Georgians are protected, including Georgians of faith.

[Orlando Montoya]

The law bans the government from interfering with a person's exercise of religion. Critics of SB36 say it allows people to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against marginalized groups. Also today, the Georgia House of Representatives and the Senate agreed on a budget for the fiscal year 2026, which which starts in July. The $37 billion budget includes big gains for the prison system, student mental health and Georgia Promise Scholarship program. Matt Hatchett chairs the House Appropriations Committee.

[Denny Brice]

As I told you, when the budget left this House.

[Brian Kemp]

The budget is highly focused on public safety and education.

[Orlando Montoya]

That position still holds in the conference committee version. The General assembly also allocated funds to literacy initiatives and increasing prison staff. Now that both chambers have approved the budget, it moves to governor Brian Kemp's desk to be signed into law. Kemp is allowed to veto specific line items in the budget if he chooses. Also expected to get votes today a measure that would ban diversity efforts in public schools and colleges and a measure that would change how speed enforcement cameras work in school zones. It is the last day for bills to pass the General assembly in both houses and go on to governor Brian Kemp. Some of the top proposals already won final passage earlier in the session. Those include Kemp's effort to limit lawsuits and a school safety bill following last year's school shooting at Apalachee High School. Measures that don't pass today could be considered again in 2026. And as always, for the latest from under the gold dome, visit gpb.org news you can also tune in to GPB's Lawmakers. That program airs tonight at 7 on your GPB TV station, and later, if you miss it, you can Watch [e-mail] Lawmakers after a pause in construction last year, development is underway again at the Rivian factory near Social Circle, east of Atlanta. GPB's Amanda Andrews has the latest on the project timeline.

[Amanda Andrews]

Construction on the factory will begin in 2026, and the first vehicles are expected to roll off the production line in 2028. Georgia will produce the new R2 and R3 midsize SUV models. Like many auto manufacturers, U S based, Rivian is waiting to see what impacts tariffs will have on the industry overall. Rivian spokesperson Peebles Squire says the stated goals of the Trump administration support their current company strategy.

[Peebles Squire]

The narrative here is all really about on shoring those jobs, bringing us manufacturing back, and we're certainly aligned with the administration on that. And ultimately in Georgia, that means 7,500 jobs by 2030 that people you know can be proud to have.

[Amanda Andrews]

Rivian recently opened a showroom in Alpharetta for consumers to see vehicles in person. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Orlando Montoya]

The economic uncertainty spawned by the Trump administration's new tariffs is upending Georgia businesses. Chris Fagan, a partner in the Atlanta accounting firm Moore Colson, sees that close up working with clients who are buying or selling businesses. He says tariffs are significantly reducing mergers and acquisitions.

[Stephen Schrank]

I'm working on a deal where 95% of their raw materials they use are Canadian steel and aluminum, and most of the work they're doing now, they've already quoted eight to ten months ago before these tariffs were even being discussed. Makes it hard for them to transact in an economy like this.

[Orlando Montoya]

He expects retaliatory tariffs to hit Georgia exports from agriculture to manufacturing especially hard. China, the state's third largest export market, today imposed a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods starting April 10. Georgia Humanities has been notified that it's losing its funding that supports the organization's work in cultural and educational programming in the state. The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency cut the National Endowment for the humanities budget by 80% and most of its workforce. NEH gave notice to Georgia Humanities yesterday that all grants were immediately canceled. Organization officials say most of their programs cannot continue without the funding. Georgia Humanities has served the state for more than 50 years and works with 250 local organizations. Their programs include the web based New Georgia Encyclopedia and National History day. Georgia Only 18% of Georgia's children ages 6 to 17 meet the recommended daily amount of exercise. A new program hopes to increase those numbers and become more physically active. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more the program.

[Ellen Eldridge]

From Health Empowers challenges young people in Georgia to collectively achieve 25 million minutes of physical activity in 2025. The goal is to establish lifelong habits and lay the foundation for more movement in youth programs. Physical health is connected to emotional wellness. That's the message that advocate organizations like Health and Powers want young people to hear. Jennifer Owens is the president and CEO.

[Jennifer Owens]

Yes, moving your body is important. Yes, eating the right food is important. And also how does that connect to our brain and our emotions and the way we relate to one another. This could potentially be transformative in terms of how we raise up this next generation.

[Ellen Eldridge]

Owen says the challenge to Georgia's youth is being made via schools, daycare centers and community groups. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldridge.

[Tonya Moseley]

This is Tonya Moseley, co host of Fresh Air. You'll see your favorite actors, directors and comedians on late night TV shows or YouTube, but what you get with Fresh Air is a deep dive. Spend some quality time with people like Billie Eilish Questlove, Ariana Grande, Stephen Colbert and so many more. We ask questions you won't hear asked anywhere else. Listen to the Fresh Air podcast from NPR and whyyy.

[Orlando Montoya]

Georgia voters will choose from eight candidates to fill two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. Qualifying for candidates closed yesterday. The statewide elected body regulates how much Georgia Power and other utilities can charge customers for services. Up for election this year is District 2, which stretches from Atlanta's eastern suburbs through Athens, Augusta and Savannah. In District 3, which includes the core metro Atlanta counties of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton. Georgia usually doesn't have statewide elections in odd numbered years, but regular elections were delayed since 2022 by a lawsuit. May 19 it is the last day to register to vote for the June 17 primary. Early in person voting will begin May 27 ahead of the Masters tournament next week. A new memorial opened yesterday commemorating generations of black caddies who worked at Augusta National Golf Club. GPB's Chase McGee has that story.

[Chase McGee]

A 25 foot long 1200 pound golf tee is latest piece of Masters history. Along the tee you'll find the faces of local legends, Sandhill's own black caddies who worked at Augusta national for decades up until 1983, when the course allowed players to bring their own caddies there to remember. Their counterparts were a handful of living caddies like Otis Buck Moore, who drove a truck for work each week, looking forward to the weekend when he could caddy.

[Brian Kemp]

I'm just privilege to be here with everybody, all the people that turn out to see us and you know, let them show you that, you know, you ain't forgotten. You know what I'm saying?

[Chase McGee]

The TE will be open to the public as the Masters practice rounds begin on Monday. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee in Augusta.

[Orlando Montoya]

100 years ago, a sensational divorce case ignited an explosive battle over race and class. That case is now the subject of a new book by Savannah writer Denny Brice. The book is a work of historical fiction called the trial of Mrs. Rhinelander. It tells the story of Alice and Kip Rhinelander, whose real life scandal was shocking even for the Roaring Twenties. It involves a secret interracial marriage and the New York elite. And it follows Bryce's other published books which center on strong black female characters. I spoke with Bryce about the story during the Savannah Book Festival in February.

[Denny Brice]

Alice Jones was a domestic her family British immigrants. She hung out in New Rochelle and that's where her father owned a taxi company. She meets this very young he was 18 when she met him and she was 22. Man who was happened to be a real estate heir to the mighty Rhinelander family. His name was Leonard Kip Rhinelander. And so they start a, you know, young person's affair. It's the 20s. There's a lot of excitement to be freer with your lifestyle than the generation before. But keep in mind these are British immigrants and so they have Like a three year affair. And then they get married and three weeks later he sues her for an annulment. And the annulment is based on her never mentioning that she was Negro, using the terminology of the time. So that became the kickoff to a very volatile, very interesting. From a research, from my research, I could see the choices that she was making and I truly believe they were in love. And that the actions that he took initially were designed by his family. It was like, oh, no, we can't have this Negro girl. Well, she didn't even think she was Negro.

[Orlando Montoya]

Her father was Jamaican, mixed race Jamaican.

[Denny Brice]

Now, in that society at that time, there was a term called mulatto. The fairer the skin, better your chances were for advancement and this sort of thing. So when he married a white woman in London, in the house where he worked, there was no raised eyebrow, because a distinction between Britain at that time and America is that they did not have the one drop rule. And that one drop rule was all about America. So when Alice was, quote, unquote, accused of being Negro, she denied it.

[Orlando Montoya]

And so what appealed to you about this story? Why did you want to write a book inspired by it?

[Denny Brice]

The importance or the relevance of this story for me was that this woman, her life was just totally turned upside down, but there was still something about her that, that she made such a crazy decision. But when she thought she was going to lose the case, she changed and said, and it was a headline story and the article said, all this while she's denying that she's Negro. And then it looks like that the annulment is going to go through. So she comes up with it and she goes, oh no, I know how I can win this and keep him. I am Negro and he knew it. And that move to me was fascinating. It just gave me so much character to work with from. Because keeping in mind historical fiction, biographical historical fiction. Yes. So many facts, so much you can find when you dig into to just Google this case and you'll get tons of information. But that character, that woman, that's who I was seeking. Between the headlines, the story also touches.

[Orlando Montoya]

On the media and the nature of celebrity. Even 100 years ago. I mean, reporters followed Alice for years. I can't even imagine living in that kind of fishbowl.

[Denny Brice]

Yes, absolutely, in a fishbowl. But also when you're writing historical fiction, the, the things that repeat through history, I mean, newspapers were the TMZs and the social media back in the 20s of today. And the way celebrities, or definitely the very wealthy are presented in the press or chased by the press hasn't changed that much. The press has changed dramatically, in my humble opinion. But still, that interest in money, others and scandal, it hasn't changed all that much.

[Orlando Montoya]

Did you find any living descendants of the Rhinelanders or the Joneses to ask them about this story or your book, the Rhinelanders?

[Denny Brice]

I did not check. I did try to see if they still had their money, and I couldn't find anything. And that's not unusual. Let me emphasize that when you're writing stories about history and the African American family that may make the news, the women certainly aren't chronicled. But there weren't any diaries, There weren't any letters. I mean, frankly, Alice in many ways disappeared for 50 years. There was an incident where I think in 1940, something, her car was stopped and she was detained because she might have been intoxicated driving.

[Orlando Montoya]

And so you just found her obituary in the newspaper and that's it.

[Denny Brice]

Right. But the important thing that pieced together the story in my mind of who she was was the name on her tombstone. Because part of the legal shenanigans at some point, because this case went on for six years because she did not want her marriage to end. And she twists and turns to avoid that marriage ending. But when there was some final agreement that included her never using the Rhinelander name.

[Orlando Montoya]

And what did the tombstone say?

[Denny Brice]

Rhinelander. And that told me the fact that she had that on her tombstone. It told me why she loved that man.

[Orlando Montoya]

Why did Lenny seek an annulment if he was in love? Was it just his family? I mean, what were his motivations in this entire affair, the family?

[Denny Brice]

But for Lenny, I think he. I think he's a little spineless. I think that he was the youngest son. He was definitely a stutterer. He was sent to a school by his family to try and buck him up. So I think that he was very much dependent upon his family at the same time. Alice. That relationship made him feel independent. But the bottom line in that time period is that he didn't have a means of making money. He was a Rhinelander. He had no skill set other than what the family business told him to do.

[Orlando Montoya]

Well, Denny Brice, it's a wonderful book. Thanks for it and for talking with me today.

[Denny Brice]

Thank you so much.

[Orlando Montoya]

Denny Brice wrote the trial of Mrs. Rhinelander. It's the latest book featured on GPB's podcast about books with Georgia connections called Narrative Edge. Find narrative [e-mail] podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. All right. Haven't you been enjoying that lovely spring weather we've been having lately? Perfect weather for a baseball game. And for Braves fans tonight, it's a special one because Atlanta is taking on the Miami Marlins for their home opener at Truest Park. The team's longest winless start since 2016, though, has left manager Brian Snitger desperate for a recovery. Atlanta blew a 5 nothing lead to lose 65 to the Dodgers on Wednesday night for a 07 start. Their 09 opening in 2016 led to a last place finish. And that's it for this edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news if you haven't yet hit subscribe on this podcast. Take a moment right now to keep us current in your feed. Hit subscribe if you have feedback. We'd love to hear that. Send feedback to Georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. Peter Biello will be back to host the program next week. Sophie Gratis and I have enjoyed filling in for him while he's been spending time with his newborn child and his family. Welcome back, Peter, and tune in again on Monday for another GEORGIA Today.