Federal agents detained dozens of workers at a Nebraska meat processing plant as protesters clashed with authorities during the largest worksite immigration enforcement operation of Trump’s second term.
At a Glance
- ICE conducted a raid at Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, detaining approximately 70 workers as part of a criminal investigation
- Protesters gathered outside the facility, with some throwing rocks at vehicles and attempting to block federal agents
- The company claims they use the federal E-Verify system and were not informed of the raid in advance
- Federal agents arrived with a list of 97 individuals to screen during the operation
- Local officials expressed concern about economic stability and community impact
Largest Immigration Raid Under Trump’s Second Term
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents descended on Glenn Valley Foods, a meat production facility in Omaha, Nebraska, on Tuesday morning in what officials describe as the largest worksite enforcement operation in the state during President Trump’s second term. Federal agents arrived with a list of 97 individuals to screen, ultimately detaining approximately 70 workers who were loaded onto white buses. The enforcement action was part of a broader criminal investigation into what ICE called “the large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States.”
Local law enforcement, including the Omaha Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, were informed in advance of the operation and assisted with traffic control. However, company officials at Glenn Valley Foods claim they were caught completely off guard by the raid. “Of course not. It’s a raid,” said Gary Rohwer when asked if the company had been notified beforehand.
Community Protests and Confrontations
The enforcement action quickly sparked protests outside the facility as word spread throughout the community. Demonstrators gathered near the plant, with some attempting to block the path of federal vehicles. The situation escalated when protesters began throwing rocks and other objects at authorities. Despite these confrontations, agents completed their operation, removing dozens of workers from the facility for processing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_6Q1OSaZQc
“These actions are deeply harmful to the South Omaha community. Not only are they unjust and disruptive, but they also directly undermine the economic stability and growth of District 4 and the broader community,” said Ron Hug, an Omaha City Council member representing the area.
Company Claims Compliance with Federal Requirements
Glenn Valley Foods President Chad Hartmann expressed frustration over the raid, questioning why his company was targeted despite using the federal E-Verify system to check employee immigration status. “My biggest issue is: why us?” Hartmann asked. He pointed out that the company follows proper procedures for verifying employment eligibility, yet ICE officials have claimed the system is “broken.” Hartmann has indicated he plans to seek answers from local political representatives, including Rep. Don Bacon.
“This is your system, run by the government. And you’re raiding me because your system is broken?” Hartmann said.
Broader Immigration Enforcement Strategy
The raid in Omaha signals a potential shift in federal immigration enforcement priorities. The meatpacking industry, which has historically relied heavily on immigrant labor, has not been a primary focus of immigration enforcement efforts until recently. Under the current administration, worksite enforcement operations appear to be intensifying, with the Nebraska raid being the most significant such action in the state during Trump’s second term.
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and federal law enforcement partners, executed a federal search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods, today, based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States,” ICE stated in an official release.
Local Officials Respond to Community Impact
The raid has prompted responses from various local officials. Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. clarified that while the city does not enforce immigration laws, the Omaha Police Department was informed of the operation by the Department of Homeland Security. Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia abruptly left a meeting upon hearing news of the raid, 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.”
The ACLU of Nebraska has warned of lasting damage from such enforcement actions and emphasized that all individuals have rights regardless of immigration status. Meanwhile, community advocates have highlighted the economic disruption caused by the raid, with many businesses in South Omaha closing and the area appearing quieter than usual in the aftermath of the operation.
