ICE says agents were assaulted in Omaha raid; Latino community is ‘fearful’

OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) — The day after Nebraska’s largest immigration raid in years, South Omaha was in shock.

“Individuals are fearful for their family members, and even themselves, of being snatched up,” said Albert Varas, CEO and president of the Latino Center of the Midlands. “I think the primary feeling is fear, followed by sadness.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said during Tuesday’s raid, it detained more than 70 workers at Glenn Valley Foods who were in the country illegally.

One of the detainees pulled out a weapon and assaulted federal agents, according to ICE.

“If you’re here illegally, you’ve already broken the law,” acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said in a press release. “When you break the law by coming here illegally and then threaten and assault federal officers on top of that- you’re a threat, plain and simple.”

The agency said the raid was the largest immigration enforcement operation in Nebraska since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.

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On Wednesday, Hispanic leaders said the community was consumed with emotion and uncertainty for the future.

Varas said families are shaken.

“People are definitely being more cautious, and you’ll see it,” he said. “There are quite a few businesses that are closed for the time being, and we’re hearing reports of people not reporting to their places of employment as a precautionary measure. These are individuals that have every right to be in the country and have a legal status, but they’re still protecting themselves.”

The Latino Center said it’s monitoring the situation and is working to find out how long ICE will be in town to keep the community informed.

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Many other organizations are stepping up for those affected.

Churches, child care centers and even a pet clinic are offering help and support.

St. Martin Tours of Episcopal Church is one of the many places people can go.

“We’re in support of our community surrounding the church,” Deacon Mark Kowalski said. “It’s unfair, it’s just nasty what they are doing. We’re here for sanctuary, for prayers, whatever anyone needs. If you need a safe space, come on in here, we’re here for you.”

Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska said he was working to learn more about ICE’s activity in the state, but he defended immigration enforcement actions.

“President Trump was elected to secure our borders and clean up the flow of illegal immigration that the last administration allowed,” he said. “It’s important to remember that if you’re in the country illegally, you’re breaking the law.”