Omaha mayor doesn’t ‘know why’ city was targeted in ICE raid
Share and Follow


OMAHA, Neb. () Omaha’s newly-inaugurated Democratic mayor says he “doesn’t know” why the city was targeted by federal immigration officials which resulted in the arrests of more than 100 people.

Mayor John Ewing Jr., who was sworn into office on Monday, said his team are still working to get more details on the status of those arrested in Nebraska’s largest workplace operation under President Donald Trump.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer told reporters Wednesday that his department did not assist federal agents in the raid. He said Omaha Police officers seen at the site of the raid were there to provide traffic control.

He expressed concern that undocumented residents would not report crime if they’re concerned that local police are acting as immigration enforcement.

“We weren’t part of the aiding function of this. As far as planning of the raid, as far as knowledge of the operation, anything of that nature … the Omaha Police Department did not have a role in that,” said Schmaderer. “I can assure the public that the Omaha Police Department will not be involved in checking immigration status in our community. I need (crime) victims to come forward. They will not come forward if they’re fearful of the Omaha Police Department being immigration officers.”

Ewing called on Congress to develop a “comprehensive immigration policy.”

“Right now, what is happening across the country is a lot of fear is being created,” he said. “We don’t have an understandable approach to immigration, especially when it comes to our Latino members of this country.”

Out of the 107 people who were targeted in the raid, 70 were detained after ICE determined their status.

The raid happened around 9 a.m. at Glenn Valley Foods in south Omaha, an area where nearly a quarter of residents were foreign-born according to the 2020 census.

A small group of people came out to protest the raid, and some of them even jumped on the front bumper of a vehicle to try to stop officers in one location while others threw rocks at officials’ vehicles as a white bus carrying workers pulled away from a plant.

Many workers attempted to avoid arrest by hiding in building rafters and walk-in freezers with subzero temperatures, prompting EMTs to respond and check individuals for health and safety concerns, according to federal agents on scene.

The operation comes amid nationwide protests over immigration enforcement, particularly in Los Angeles, where similar workplace raids last week triggered demonstrations that prompted Trump to deploy National Guard troops.

Glenn Valley Foods owner Gary Rohwer said he used the federal E-Verify system to check workers’ eligibility but was deceived by employees using stolen identities of U.S. citizens, which allowed them to pass background checks.

The operation is part of the Trump administration’s renewed focus on workplace enforcement as part of broader immigration crackdowns. Such operations have become flashpoints for protests, with critics arguing they separate families and damage communities while supporters say they’re necessary to enforce immigration law and protect American workers.

‘s Ali Bradley contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Mexico President Sheinbaum hopes deported boxer Chávez Jr. will serve time in Mexico

Mexico’s President Sheinbaum wants boxer Chávez Jr., who was deported, to be imprisoned in Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that Mexico hadn’t…
Antisemitic attackers violently target synagogue, Israeli restaurant in Australia

Antisemitic attackers violently target synagogue, Israeli restaurant in Australia

Australia hit by rise in antisemitic incidents A synagogue was firebombed in…
Father’s pursuit for missing daughter heats up with new evidence in case that’s no longer cold

Father’s pursuit for missing daughter heats up with new evidence in case that’s no longer cold

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Nearly two decades after…
Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance

Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Trump administration is…
Israel sends negotiating team to Qatar for ceasefire talks

Israel Dispatches Peace Delegation to Qatar for Ceasefire Negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for an agreement and will host…

Search continues for missing children and adults in Kerrville

AUSTIN (KXAN) The city of Kerrville and Kerr County provided another update…
Kerrville, Texas flooding: Camp girls missing after Guadalupe River flood waters hit Camp Mystic; at least 27 dead

Search Operation Underway for Missing Girls at Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas Following Flooding and 27 Fatalities Reported

KERRVILLE, Texas — Rescuers were searching Saturday for more than two dozen…
Texas officials face scrutiny over response to catastrophic and deadly flooding

Scrutiny of Texas officials’ handling of disastrous and deadly flooding

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) Before heading to bed before the Fourth of July…