This is a malevolent interpretation.

They were in the country to transfer knowledge and help build a factory to create jobs in the US.

By mistake (maybe?), some visas expired, and then all workers are arrested.

Doesn't that seem like an exaggerated response? It's not like they don't respect the US laws and regulations…

Staying in the US when you don’t have a valid visa is disrespecting the US laws and regulations.