ABBEVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A large law enforcement operation unfolded Wednesday morning at a manufacturing facility in Abbeville County, according to employees and video shared with FOX Carolina.The operation happened at a business called Burnstein Von Seelen, employees said. They told FOX Carolina the activity began in the morning and appeared to wrap up around noon.ICE spotted in Abbeville County(Jessica Beasley)Operation “Ghost Story” arrestsDuring a press conference on Thursday, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said a multi-agency operation in Abbeville County led to the detention of 48 people in the U.S. illegally and the State Grand Jury indictment of six defendants.Two of the defendants indicted were managers at Burnstein Von Seelen, Wilson said. Video shows heavy law enforcement presenceFOX Carolina received video from an employee showing what appears to be a chaotic scene inside the facility as multiple officers moved through the building. It is not yet clear which agencies were involved, though the vests seen in the video suggest several agencies.Abbeville County Sheriff Ray Watson said the sheriff’s office is involved, but could not provide additional details at this time.More video shows SUVs staging miles awayA second video, sent by Jessica Beasley, shows dozens of SUVs staging at the Upper Abbeville County Recreation Association, about 30 minutes from the facility. Beasley said those vehicles later left for Burnstein Von Seelen.Community impact The ripple effect of the operation is already being felt. Maria’s Mexican Restaurant in downtown Abbeville was nearly empty Wednesday night. Maria’s owner Itzel Montaluba says they’ve seen half their usual customers because people are scared to come out.“People are scared to leave, to come. Some thought our restaurant was closed,” Montaluba said. She said her phone was ringing all day with people checking in. “They’ve called us worried, asking if we know about the situation. If we are all okay,” Montaluba said. Montaluba said she knows of a mother who was was taken into custody during Wednesday’s operation. “Everything will be okay. This will pass,” Montaluba said. Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with FOX Carolina. For more free content like this, download our apps.Copyright 2026 WHNS. All rights reserved.