OMAHA, Nebraska — Chaos unfolded at Glenn Valley Foods following the largest immigration raid at a worksite in Nebraska this year, as every seat in the plant’s waiting area was filled with people applying for jobs two days after the event.
The scene highlighted the desperate need for workers after approximately half of the plant’s employees were taken away during the raid.
Many of the prospective employees, who predominantly speak Spanish, were coming in for training or to seek new employment opportunities, providing a glimmer of hope to Chad Hartmann, the company’s president.
Hartmann reflected on the emotional toll of the raid, likening the challenge of re-hiring staff to asking someone to replace a family member.
“You cannot, in my mind,” he stated.
He reiterated that the detained employees had been an integral part of their work family.
Federal immigration authorities arrested 76 individuals at Glenn Valley Foods as part of an enforcement operation to address the employment of undocumented workers.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that the arrests resulted from a federal search warrant linked to an ongoing investigation.
As of Friday night, no criminal charges had been filed against those apprehended, with several individuals already deported or transferred out of state.
The Lincoln County Detention Center is housing at least 63 detainees, but Sheriff Jerome Kramer noted that none of them are considered violent offenders and expressed intentions to assist them in correcting their work status and reuniting with families.
Samantha Santiago, who runs a business in South Omaha’s Latino business district, shared her distress over the impact on her customers, many of whom were among those detained.
“There are just too many families who were affected,” she lamented, explaining that some community events were canceled due to the pervasive sadness.
The timing of the raid was particularly notable, occurring as John Ewing was inaugurated as Omaha’s first Black mayor.
Ewing, who won on a Democratic platform, has publicly expressed opposition to workplace raids, emphasizing that Omaha police would not typically inquire about individuals’ immigration statuses during routine duties.
The conflicting political climate encapsulates a national debate ignited by President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement and mass deportations.
On Friday, over 500 individuals participated in a peaceful protest against immigration raids, marching to Charles Schwab Field as the College World Series commenced, a major local event.
Juan Elizondo, one of the organizers, expressed the significance of the demonstrations.
He stated, “The nation is here with us — being there present, and letting them hear us, I think is more impactful.”
Dressed mainly in white for peace, demonstrators displayed signs, several upside down to symbolize distress.
Elizondo, a son of Mexican immigrants, was motivated by the desire to convey a message of community strength and unity amid turbulent times.
The aftermath of the raid cast a chilling effect across Omaha, affecting local businesses and community morale.
Many establishments closed early, including libraries and schools, with the once-thriving South Omaha business district becoming desolate.
By Wednesday, only a third of the remaining staff at Glenn Valley Foods reported to work, resulting in a significant drop in production.
As more employees returned, Hartmann facilitated a meeting to allow them a platform to voice their concerns and collectively navigate the difficult path forward.
By early Friday afternoon, around 80 employees were engaged in processing meat at the plant.
Despite some businesses reopening, areas still felt the weight of fear, with salons and markets seeing attendance dip as many were hesitant to go out in public.
Santiago returned to her store after a period of mourning, motivated by a need to support community members affected by the raids.
She explored various ways to assist those in need, including dedicating a portion of her sales from popular Labubu dolls to fundraise for impacted families facing legal fees and living expenses.
Commissioner Garcia’s family was directly impacted, with his wife’s aunt among those detained.
He stressed that many of those caught in the raids have lived in the U.S. for years and have established families, including citizen children, making their detention particularly heartbreaking.
While the nature of immigration enforcement remains contentious, Garcia pointed to a need for systemic reforms to address the ongoing challenges within the immigration framework.
Hartmann articulated frustrations with the E-Verify system, which is designed to vet employees’ legal work eligibility but is seen as flawed and susceptible to misuse.
He described the difficulty in finding alternative solutions for hiring a legal workforce, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive immigration reforms while noting their absence.
Proposals for temporary work visa programs have emerged, but Hartmann criticized these as inadequate for their criteria and limitations, particularly for industries requiring a consistent workforce.
Hartmann believes that creating a pathway for undocumented residents to achieve legal status—if they meet certain conditions—could serve as a temporary solution until more permanent reforms are established.
He expressed hope that such measures could relieve immediate pressures on communities like Omaha.
Participating in the protests, Elizondo found inspiration from seasoned advocates within the immigrant rights community, collaborating to ensure that events remained peaceful and focused on healing.
In light of the recent raids, there is significant speculation regarding the rationale behind targeting Omaha at this time with political motives heavily scrutinized.
Ewing, when questioned about the raid’s timing, acknowledged that he could not discern the reasons for Omaha being selected as a target.
As the city continues to process the fallout from the immigration raid, the community remains united in seeking solutions that prioritize both worker rights and compassion for those affected.
image source from：https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/omaha-immigration-workplace-raid-aftermath-rcna212931
