OMAHA, Nevada – The newly elected mayor of Omaha, John Ewing Jr., has expressed uncertainty about why federal immigration officials targeted the city, resulting in over 100 arrests.
Ewing, who just took office, mentioned that his team is working to gather details on those arrested. This event is recognized as Nebraska’s largest workplace enforcement operation under the Trump administration.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmadeler clarified to reporters that his department did not participate in the federal operation. He noted that an officer seen at the scene was only there for traffic control purposes.
He voiced concerns that undocumented individuals may hesitate to report crimes if they believe local police are acting as immigration enforcers. “We weren’t involved in planning or supporting this operation. The Omaha Police Department had no role in it,” he stated. “I urge victims to come forward, but if they fear that local police are acting like immigration officials, it will deter them from doing so.”
Ewing has urged Congress to create a “comprehensive immigration policy.” He pointed out the growing fear regarding immigration issues, particularly affecting Latinx communities in the country.
Out of the 107 individuals targeted in the operation, 70 were arrested based on their status. The raid took place around 9 AM at Glen Valley Foods in South Omaha, an area where nearly a quarter of residents are foreign-born, according to the 2020 census.
A small protest emerged at the scene, where some demonstrators attempted to block vehicles, while others threw rocks at the official cars as workers were taken away in a white bus.
Reports from federal agents indicated that many workers were hiding in rafters and freezers, with some even urging emergency medical technicians to evaluate them for health concerns.
This operation occurs amid nationwide protests against immigration enforcement. For instance, in Los Angeles, a similar raid led to demonstrations that prompted President Trump to consider deploying National Guard troops.
Gary Lower, the owner of Glen Valley Foods, stated that he used the federal e-verify system to confirm the workers’ eligibility, only to realize that some individuals had provided stolen identities of U.S. citizens.
This operation aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified focus on workplace enforcement as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Critics argue that such actions harm families and communities, while supporters contend that they are essential for enforcing immigration laws and protecting American jobs.
