After conducting a raid at Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested about 70 employees. At the scene, protesters gathered, some of whom threw rocks and tried to block federal vehicles. Company representatives use the federal E-Verify system to verify employee documentation and assert they were not notified of the raid beforehand. Concerns regarding the raid’s effects on the local economy and community stability were voiced by local officials.
Raid Execution and Immediate Response
Federal immigration authorities descended on Glenn Valley Foods, a meat production facility in Omaha, Nebraska, executing what officials described as a federal search warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. The operation targeted what ICE characterized as “large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States.” Local law enforcement, including Omaha police and the Douglas County sheriff’s department, were notified in advance and assisted with traffic control during the operation, though they were not directly involved in immigration enforcement.
The raid quickly drew protesters to the scene, with some individuals attempting to block federal vehicles and reportedly throwing rocks as agents removed workers from the facility. Federal agents had prepared a list of 97 individuals to screen during the operation, with approximately 70 workers ultimately being taken into custody. This marks what observers note as the largest worksite enforcement action in Nebraska since President Trump returned to office.
ICE raid in Omaha, Nebraska, on 6/10 netted over 70 illegals from a meatpacking plant.
Protesters tried to stop federal agents from leaving the plant by jumping on their car. Protesters also threw rocks at cars.
Why weren’t the obstructionists and violent protesters arrested? pic.twitter.com/TQ0Dhh9jJj
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 12, 2025
Company Claims Blindsided Despite Compliance
Glenn Valley Foods company officials expressed frustration and confusion over the raid, stating they were not informed in advance and asserting that they rigorously comply with federal employment verification procedures. Company representatives noted they use the federal E-Verify system to check employee immigration status for all their workers, following government-prescribed protocols for employment verification.
When asked if the company had received a warrant, company official Gary Rohwer responded bluntly, “Of course not.” It’s a raid.” The company president indicated plans to seek answers from local political representatives, including Congressman Don Bacon, who acknowledged the company’s compliance with the E-Verify system. The meatpacking industry, historically reliant on immigrant labor, has not been a primary focus of immigration enforcement until recently.
ICE rounds up busloads of illegal workers from Omaha meatpacking plant amid reports of multiple raids; bystanders attempt to intervene. pic.twitter.com/cCEHWKf3OK
— Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) June 10, 2025
Community Impact and Official Response
The raid has generated significant anxiety throughout the South Omaha community, with some businesses reportedly closing and streets described as unusually quiet in its aftermath. Local officials have expressed concerns about the raid’s broader impact on community stability and economic health. Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. clarified that while the city was informed of the operation by the Department of Homeland Security, municipal authorities do not enforce immigration laws.
Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia abruptly left a meeting after learning of the raids, stating, “My community is being terrorized by immigration raids at this moment.” The ACLU of Nebraska issued a statement warning of lasting damage to the community and emphasizing that all individuals have rights regardless of immigration status. Congressman Don Bacon has provided resources for those with questions or concerns, directing them to ICE’s toll-free information number.
Federal Enforcement Strategy
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Omaha operation is part of a broader strategy to enforce immigration laws and enhance national security. In an official statement, ICE characterized the raid as stemming from “an ongoing criminal investigation into the large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States.” The operation comes as the administration has signaled increased focus on workplace enforcement of immigration laws.
Federal officials also suggested limitations in the E-Verify system, with some characterizing it as “broken” despite its status as the government’s official employment eligibility verification system. The raid has renewed discussions about the effectiveness of current immigration enforcement mechanisms and workplace verification systems, especially in industries heavily dependent on immigrant labor like meatpacking.