Omaha witnessed a series of immigration raids on Tuesday morning as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials conducted operations at various plants in the area.
Local law enforcement, including the Omaha Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, reported being informed of these operations by the Department of Homeland Security.
Authorities stated that they were assisting with traffic control and public safety in connection with the immigration activity.
Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia confirmed that raids were occurring at several plants, including Glenn Valley Foods.
He abruptly left a meeting to address the situation, stating, “I have to depart. My community is being terrorized by immigration raids at this moment. As we speak, there’s word of at least two raids happening at this moment, so I have to go. I have to try and help.”
As the operations unfolded, KETV’s Madison Perales reported from the Glenn Valley Foods plant located near 67th and J streets.
Witnesses, including family members of workers at the plant, expressed concerns about the situation, believing it to be a raid.
In a statement to KETV, Glenn Valley Foods revealed that authorities had arrived at their facility to “serve a warrant to search for persons believed to be using fraudulent documents to gain employment.”
One plant worker shared that while authorities permitted him into the building, they identified him with a green wristband to designate him as a U.S. citizen.
He mentioned that he was only allowed in the parking lot and was instructed to provide personal information on a sheet they distributed.
Reflecting on the circumstances, the worker noted, “They were lining everyone up like a raid.”
Another witness, whose family member is undocumented, reported that those apprehended were being held in the cafeteria and observed authorities restraining individuals with zip ties.
In their defense, Glenn Valley Foods stated that they utilize E-Verify as part of their hiring process and affirmed their cooperation with authorities during the investigation.
Additionally, KETV crews reported the arrival of an ambulance at the scene, indicating potential medical emergencies arising from the raids.
Commissioner Garcia was also present near the JBS plant, located at 33rd and L streets, when KETV arrived.
He expressed his concern for the community, sharing plans to assist those affected by the raids. Garcia said, “First, we want to know who’s been detained and how many, and then we want to help with legal… but there are bound to be children without parents, spouses without husbands and wives.”
He continued, emphasizing the emotional toll on the community: “There’s gonna be a lot of hurt in this community today, and we’re gonna help them as best we can.”
In a statement, JBS clarified that there had been no ICE raid at their facility “at this point in time.”
The company refuted the reports of an ICE action at their plant, stating, “It is being incorrectly reported that way, but the actions that have happened so far today have not taken place at our plant.”
Sarah Keeney, a lead organizer for Omaha Together One Community, informed KETV that there was an unrelated evacuation at the JBS facility, which contributed to the misunderstanding regarding the ICE raids.
As the day unfolded, concerns among community members continued to rise, highlighting the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement and its impact on families.
Many in the community expressed fear and anxiety over the possibility of losing loved ones during such operations, creating a tense atmosphere as residents awaited further information on the situation.
Local leaders are now focusing their efforts on addressing the immediate needs of those detained and assisting families that could potentially face long-term consequences due to the raids.
The events of that morning have sparked discussions about the immigration policies currently in place and their implications on local communities.
As the situation develops, community organizations are mobilizing to provide resources and support for affected families, underscoring the challenges faced by immigrant populations in the area.
Officials have urged anyone with information about the raids or who may need assistance to reach out to community organizations dedicated to providing help and legal aid.
The unfolding immigration operations have accentuated the ongoing debates about immigration reform and the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
In a rapidly changing environment, local leaders, community organizers, and residents alike are working towards solidarity amidst uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another during difficult times.
The story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by immigrant communities and the need for continued advocacy and support in the face of stricter immigration enforcement.
image source from：https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-immigration-raids-reported-plants/65024010
