On Thursday afternoon, the waiting area of Glenn Valley Foods was bustling with activity as every seat was filled with individuals eager to fill out job applications. This surge in prospective employees came just two days after the meatpacking plant was the site of the largest worksite immigration raid in Nebraska this year. Many of the job seekers, predominantly Spanish speakers, were either looking for new employment opportunities or attending training sessions. For Chad Hartmann, the company’s president, this influx of applicants offered a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil following the raid, which resulted in the loss of approximately half of his workforce—many of whom had been loyal employees for over 15 years.
Hartmann expressed that he had never before witnessed an immigration raid and was learning firsthand that “there’s no playbook” for recovery after such an event. He likened the experience of re-hiring new workers to asking someone to replace a family member, stating, “You cannot, in my mind. They were part of our family, and they were taken away.” According to the Department of Homeland Security, 76 individuals were arrested during the raid, with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirming that the operation was part of a federal investigation into the employment of individuals without legal work authorization. As of Friday night, no criminal charges had yet been filed against those detained, with some reportedly deported or transferred out of state.
The raid sent shockwaves throughout the community, particularly affecting local businesses. Samantha Santiago, a business owner in South Omaha’s predominantly Latino district, lamented the impact on her customers, many of whom were among those detained. “There are just too many families who were affected,” she said in Spanish, noting that community celebrations such as quinceañeras and baptisms were canceled due to the overwhelming sadness. This incident coincided with John Ewing’s first week as Omaha’s first Black mayor, who took office after defeating the Republican incumbent in the previous election.
As tensions rose, anti-ICE demonstrations erupted across the country, including cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York, protesting the methods used in immigration enforcement actions. Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia, the first Latino to hold his position, stated that the community must come together to mourn and seek solutions. Douglas County was one of only two counties in Nebraska that leaned Democratic during the recent presidential election, while the rest of the state is largely Republican. In contrast, Nevada Governor Jim Pillen supported the raids, activating the National Guard in anticipation of protests.
During a news conference, Mayor Ewing voiced his opposition to workplace raids, emphasizing that Omaha police would not routinely inquire about individuals’ immigration status. This divergence in opinions highlights the broader national conflict surrounding immigration policies, which have become increasingly contentious following actions taken by former President Donald Trump aimed at mass deportations. On Friday, over 500 demonstrators peacefully marched to Charles Schwab Field as the College World Series commenced, signaling a unified front against the raids. Protesters, including children and older adults, wore white to symbolize peace, with some donning work uniforms to represent the contributions of immigrants.
The aftermath of the ICE raid left a chilling effect on Omaha, with many local establishments closing early and a noticeable drop in activity in the vibrant Hispanic and immigrant district. Although some businesses reopened by Friday, others remained affected, as many immigrant customers stayed home out of fear. Hartmann reported that only about a third of the remaining staff at Glenn Valley Foods returned to work the day after the raid, resulting in a significant drop in production.
In the wake of the raid, community members rallied to support those impacted. Santiago, who took time off to process the situation, began initiatives to raise funds for families facing legal fees and other expenses. She decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from her bestselling item, the Labubu dolls, to assist affected families. Garcia’s family was also directly impacted, as his wife’s aunt was among those detained, sparking personal connections to the broader immigration debate.
As operations at Glenn Valley Foods continue, Hartmann expressed the need for systemic changes to the immigration process. He noted that jobs at the meatpacking plant require skilled labor and safety training, emphasizing that the current E-Verify system is flawed. Hartmann suggested that creating a temporary amnesty for undocumented workers who meet specific criteria could be a step toward resolving the ongoing issues within the immigration system. “There should be no problem with that,” he stated, emphasizing the need for solutions that address the community’s needs.
Elizondo, a young advocate for immigrant rights, organized the recent protests with guidance from seasoned activists. The urgency of the situation has prompted a new generation to speak out, questioning the motivations behind the Omaha raid and its timing. As the community grapples with the fallout from the immigration enforcement actions, the call for comprehensive immigration reform continues to resonate, underscoring the necessity for a system that allows individuals to work legally and contribute to society.
