OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — KMTV has confirmed an ICE operation underway near 72nd and J street in Omaha. Douglas County Sheriff's department confirms officers on the scene to control traffic in the area, as Homeland Security works an operation at one of the businesses.
Updated 4:30 p.m. | Statement from Rep. Don Bacon
"We understand people’s concerns for their loved one’s safety and have full confidence and expectations that ICE will operate within their legal authority and treat people with respect. Our office does not receive reports on individual enforcement and removal operations, but we support the rule of law. We encourage anyone with questions and concerns to contact ICE’s toll-free number 888-351-4024. They are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.”
In addition, Rep. Bacon’s District Director and Director of Outreach went to the ICE facility and gathered the following information:
- ICE served a civil warrant to one facility only-Glenn Valley Foods
- The warrant was in relation to stolen identities
- ICE verified that Glen Valley Foods complied with E-Verify 100% and is a victim in this as well
- People who may have family members who have been detained can call ICE at 402-536-4861. This number is for family members only.
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Updated 2:14 p.m. | Statement from Mayor John Ewing
"We are aware that ICE is raiding Omaha businesses and detaining people. We do not know yet the scope of this federal action today but want to share the information we do have and let the public know what our role is here.
First, the city is not in the business of immigration enforcement. That is the purview of the federal government. Omaha Police Department policy is not, and I repeat is not, to determine the immigration status of an individual. Our Omaha police officers do not and will not seek individuals to check their legal status. OPD was on scene today to assist in traffic control and public safety in areas near their operations.
The Department of Homeland Security had alerted OPD that some sort of immigration action would occur today. We had asked for that coordination after the recent incident at Early Bird.
Second, we are in fact gathering mode. I am trying to get to the bottom of what happened today. While we knew an enforcement action would take place, we were not privy to details.
Third, we know that actions like these affect families. My administration is working with community groups to understand the scale of need.
Fourth, what happened today causes fear in our community. We do not want people to be so afraid they stop reporting crimes. Our Omaha Police Department will respond to 911 calls and not ask about legal status.
We will seek more information from the federal government about today’s raids and will share that once we get it."
Updated 1:30 p.m. | Statement from Omaha City Councilmember Ron Hug:
"I've been notified that ICE has conducted raids at multiple locations across Omaha. 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.
I have been in contact with the Mayor, Chief of Police, Human Rights and Relations Department, and the National LULAC Office, and I will be engaging with community members to understand the full impact of these events and explore meaningful ways to support those affected."
NEIGHBORS PROTESTING NEAR ICE RAIDS
STATEMENT FROM OPD LT. NEAL BONACCI: "The Omaha Police Department is aware of ICE operations currently taking place in Omaha. The Department of Homeland Security recently notified OPD of the operations and OPD officers responded to the areas for traffic control. Federal authorities are responsible for immigration enforcement. OPD's role is only assisting with traffic control and public safety in the areas near the operations."
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Statement from president of Glenn Valley foods, Chad Hartmann
"Today, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, DEA, US Marshals, Local OPD and other local and federal partners came to our facility and served a warrant to search for persons believed to be using fraudulent documents to gain employment.
We are strongly committed to following all laws and regulations. Our company has continuously utilized E-Verify as part of our hiring process. E-Verify is a web-based system used by employers to confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. It electronically compares information from an employee's Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA).
This helps employers ensure they are hiring authorized workers. Our company is not being charged with any crime. We have been 100% cooperative and will be transparent with all communications regarding this matter."
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"DCSO is one of three agencies that has been requested to assist. Our assistance is limited to traffic control and safety of the surrounding area, not the immigration enforcement actions performed by ICE," Spencer Head, Douglas County Sheriff Communication Coordinator.
KMTV crews on the scene confirm seeing multiple ICE agents around the Glenn Valley Foods plant at 67th and J street.
We will continue to update this story as more details come in.
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