The Daily One Meat Plant, One Thousand Infections: Revisiting Achut Deng
Jul 15, 2020
Achut Deng, a Sudanese refugee and Smithfield employee, shares her gripping journey from surviving a civil war to facing the challenges of COVID-19 in a meat processing plant. Caitlin Dickerson, an immigration reporter, dives into the harsh realities these essential workers endure. They discuss the outbreak that rocked the Sioux Falls facility and the emotional toll it took on staff members. Achut's story highlights resilience, the impact of health risks on livelihoods, and the broader implications for immigrant communities in crisis.
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Achut's Journey
- Achut Deng, a Smithfield worker, was born in South Sudan and orphaned at six during the civil war.
- She lived in refugee camps before coming to America.
Moving to Sioux Falls
- Achut moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, hoping to find a partner, but the relationship ended.
- She started working at Smithfield to support her family.
Smithfield's Scale
- Smithfield processes over 10,000 pigs daily, contributing significantly to U.S. pork production.
- Achut's role involved trimming fat from loins using a "wizard knife."