(The Center Square) – Four people have been arrested for assaulting ICE agents after they conducted a worksite enforcement operation at Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, Nebraska. An investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may be forthcoming, authorities said.
A June 10 worksite enforcement operation at Glenn Valley Foods led to the arrest of more than 70 illegal foreign nationals, the largest worksite enforcement action to occur in Nebraska since the beginning of the Trump administration, The Center Square reported.
In addition to being assaulted by Honduran nationals illegally in the U.S. employed there, federal agents were also assaulted by protestors.
Four “aggressive protestors” were arrested on June 12 after being “caught on video damaging federal property and threatening to assault federal agents and officers following the execution of a federal search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods,” ICE said.
They organized a protest “in response to a June 10 operation targeting illegal aliens suspected of victimizing individuals and businesses by using stolen or fraudulent identities and documents to gain employment illegally,” ICE said.
“Many of these protesters claim to be fighting for justice, but instead they damaged property, threatened federal officers and agents, and attempted to obstruct a lawful operation aimed at arresting individuals who exploited stolen identities to work illegally,” ICE acting Director Todd Lyons said. “The irony is stark; while they falsely accuse federal agents of injustice, they themselves engage in the very abuse, intimidation and lawlessness they claim to oppose.
“I’d suggest they start standing up for the victims in these cases, these victims may have to completely rebuild their lives after having their personal information stolen or used fraudulently. Where is the concern for the justice they deserve?”
An ongoing investigation into the protestors is being led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, and Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.
Those arrested face felony charges for “assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with a federal officer while engaged in the performance of their official duties” and charges related to damaging government property.
The investigation is ongoing, including into additional individuals allegedly involved in violent acts, ICE said.
“Peaceful protest is a right protected under the Constitution, and our agents are proud to defend that right every day,” Special Agent Charge of HSI Kansas City Mark Zito said. “But threats, violence, and property damage by criminal actors claiming some kind of vigilante justice will not be tolerated in the Heartland.”
Of the 70 illegal foreign nationals employed by Glenn Valley Foods, some had active local warrants, some had prior DUI convictions and some were previously deported and illegally reentered, ICE said. Many arrested face additional charges including “fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents; assaulting a federal officer; resisting arrest; illegal reentry; and/or misuse of social security numbers.”
The Omaha worksite enforcement action was the latest among a record more than 1,000 worksite enforcement actions conducted in the last few months, The Center Square reported.
“Worksite enforcement remains a priority for ICE as it seeks to protect the nation’s workforce, eradicate labor trafficking and hold employers accountable for practices that encourage illegal immigration. Employers found in violation of federal hiring laws may face civil penalties and, in some cases, criminal prosecution,” ICE said.
ICE continues to urge those in the country illegally to self-deport.
“If you’re illegally present in the U.S., you don’t have to – and shouldn’t – wait for ICE officials to arrest you,” it says. “Instead, you can leave on your own terms.”
ICE is also encouraging members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity to contact its Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online through its ICE Tip Form.
