Omaha leaders and families impacted reflect on the June immigration operation

“An ICE officer asked me to ask me for proof of citizenship. I did not know how to do that as I have never been asked that before. I looked at the officer with confusion and told him I was born here,” Glenn Valley Foods worker recalled.

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‘Continue to feel that impact’: Omaha leaders and families impacted reflect on the June immigration operation

OMAHA, Neb. —

June 10 marks one year since immigration agents detained dozens of people at the Glenn Valley Foods meat-packing plant in Omaha.

PHOTOS: Inside the ICE raid at Omaha’s Glenn Valley food processing plant

Community leaders said the effects linger today.

The city joined local nonprofits at a press conference Tuesday to discuss how everyone can move forward together.

Advocacy groups and city leaders reflect on the day Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained several immigrants in the country illegally at the plant.

“Today we remember the harm,” Dr. Linda T. Stover, executive director of the Heartland Worker Center, said. “But we also recognize something else. We recognize the courage, resilience and leadership that emerged in response.”

Speakers include family members who were there that day.

“I witnessed the ICE officers being rude and aggressive with everyone,” Glenn Valley Foods worker Luis Mejia said.

He was working at the plant that day.

“Some people ran while others stayed,” Mejia said. “My mom hugged me and told me to take care of my younger siblings. Then she ran with the others.”

His mother was among those detained by ICE.

“An ICE officer asked me to ask me for proof of citizenship. I did not know how to do that as I have never been asked that before,” he said. “I looked at the officer with confusion and told him I was born here.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: NHCC survey finds over 90% of South Omaha businesses report no improvement since Glenn Valley Foods raid

Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia, who’s been an advocate for Glenn Valley Foods detainees from the beginning, pushed for better policy.

Garcia said these decisions have an impact on community trust with law enforcement.

“Many will see them as an extension of federal immigration enforcement, which is very unfortunate and harmful to local policing,” Garcia said.

A statement echoed in a South Omaha business impact survey conducted by the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“One year later, we continue to feel that impact,” Irma Villezcas, president of the South Omaha Business Association, said. “Our businesses are still facing the challenges.”

A survey of 40 South Omaha businesses found that a year after the ICE operation;

Almost all reported revenue has declined between 50 and 90 percent,
Three businesses are shifting to online sales only,
Workers have left or are “reluctant” to seek employment,
and “fear remains the most commonly reported barrier to recovery.”

“Economic development does not happen in isolation,” Laura Contreras, president of the Latino Economic Development Council, said. “It happens through community connection, visibility and shared joy.”

The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement also highlighted how immigration enforcement was not isolated to this one day. The group is working to represent those detained.

KETV NewsWatch 7 asked ICE how many detainees are currently being held in the McCook detention facility, but it says due to “operational security,” they do not disclose that information.

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