Gov. Deval Patrick said the children of the detainees -- most of whom are from Guatemala and El Salvador -- might not be receiving proper care. However, federal immigration officials insisted they coordinated with state social service agencies in advance to prepare for child care.

"We are particularly concerned about the Guatemalan community and the risk that they may be fearful about disclosing the existence or whereabouts of their children given their history with government agencies," Patrick wrote in a letter asking U.S. Rep. William Delahunt to ensure federal authorities allow social workers access to the detainees.

Immigration officials said 327 of the 500 employees of Michael Bianco Inc., mostly women, were detained Tuesday for possible deportation as illegal aliens.

Delahunt contacted federal officials and later Wednesday said he was told state workers would be allowed to interview two dozen people being held at the former Fort Devens military base. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., also weighed in on the matter with federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, said spokeswoman Melissa Wagoner.

About 100 children were stuck with baby sitters, caretakers and others, said Corinn Williams, director of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts.