ICE arrests over 70 undocumented workers in Nebraska meat plant raid
- ICE executed a large-scale raid at Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, detaining over 70 undocumented workers.
- The company's owner stated he followed the E-Verify system for hiring but was still targeted in the crackdown.
- The immigration raid has raised concerns about its effects on local businesses and community anxiety.
On June 10, 2025, a significant immigration enforcement operation occurred at Glenn Valley Foods, a meat production plant in Omaha, Nebraska, where more than 70 illegal immigrants were arrested. The raid was executed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, marking the largest worksite enforcement action in Nebraska since the commencement of the Trump administration. The owner of Glenn Valley Foods, Gary Rohwer, claimed that his business consistently utilized the E-Verify system to confirm the legal status of workers, and expressed shock at the raid, stating that it had severely disrupted operations and reduced his workforce by over half. This enforcement action is part of a broader immigration crackdown and has raised concerns about the effects on local communities and businesses. The operation coincided with significant local events, including the inauguration of Omaha’s new mayor, John Ewing, which added political implications to the timing of the raid. As news of the raid spread, several businesses in the area temporarily closed, indicating widespread fear and anxiety among residents due to the aggressive immigration measures. Prior to the raid, Rohwer emphasized that he believed he was adhering to federal guidelines and had been informed that issues regarding identity theft or falsified documents were to blame for the recent crackdown on his business. The situation highlighted vulnerabilities in the E-Verify system, which many employers, including major corporations, rely on for hiring practices. The community’s response and the economic implications of the event raised pressing questions about immigration policy and its repercussions on local economies. Amid the fallout from the raid, law enforcement officials, including Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, rebuffed any involvement in immigration enforcement, emphasizing their commitment to serving the community without becoming an extension of federal immigration authorities. This stance points towards a larger debate about the role of local law enforcement in immigration matters and the delicate balance between public safety and adherence to federal immigration laws.