Law firm says ICE agents are in small northeast Nebraska town

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Nebraska law firm reported on Monday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were in Schuyler, a small city of 6,000.

Kendall, Crawford & Reeker reported the presence on Facebook, reminding people of their rights if they come into contact with law enforcement.

The firm initially said federal agents were “doing sweeps and raids” in the town.

But in a comment on the post, the law firm said it has not received any reports of businesses being raided but only of “agents’ presence in the community.”

The lawyers said they have confidence in the information, saying the ICE presence in Nebraska has “dramatically increased” since last week.

But the firm did not say where it got the information, citing attorney-client confidentiality.

A Channel 8 reporter spoke with many residents in the town, who said they saw the social media post but did not see any agents.

Schuyler’s population is nearly 75% Hispanic and Latino, and around 45% of people in the town are immigrants, according to the most recent census.

Many of the locals were not comfortable being on camera, but one man spoke anonymously.

He said he understands that deportations are intended to make the community safer.

“It’s some people doing wrong things, it doesn’t matter which race,” the man said. “But unfortunately, this thing is focused on people that don’t look American.”

He said it’s scary to think that law enforcement might stop you in the streets to ask about immigration status because of your appearance.

And many others said they are worried for their friends and neighbors in town.

“It has a psychological effect on everybody, doesn’t matter your status, that’s the effect,” the man said.

SEE ALSO: Schuyler school district holds immigration clinic amid deportation fears

Channel 8 contacted the Schuyler mayor’s office, which said it didn’t know of ICE agents there.

Two Channel 8 reporters were also in the town on Monday and didn’t see any activity.

This is a developing story. Check back with Channel 8 for updates.