OMAHA, NEB. — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that its officials conducted an operation at a meat plant in Omaha, Neb., on June 10.

The target of ICE’s operations was workers at the Glenn Valley Foods facility. The meat business is a family-owned and operated producer that serves the private and public sector.

“US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and federal law enforcement partners, executed a federal search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods today based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States,” an ICE spokesperson told MEAT+POULTRY. “The worksite enforcement operation is likely the largest to take place in Nebraska since the start of the current presidential administration, which has prioritized immigration enforcement efforts and strengthened focus on border security. The investigation is ongoing. More information will be forthcoming as available.”

Gary Rowhwer, owner and chief executive officer of Glen Valley Foods, spoke with local reporters regarding the ICE operations and stated federal agents entered the plant with a list of 97 people for screening.  

Later in the day, Glen Valley Foods released a statement saying it strongly commits to following all laws and regulations.

“Our company has continuously utilized E-Verify as part of our hiring process,” Glenn Valley Foods said. “E-Verify is a web-based system used by employers to confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. It electronically compares information from an employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) to data from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA). This helps employers ensure they are hiring authorized workers. Our company is not being charged with any crime. We have been 100% cooperative and will be transparent with all communications regarding this matter.”

Following the operation, ICE reported on June 11 that over 70 illegal immigrants were detained. Federal officials stated some people had active local warrants, prior DUI convictions and had been previously deported. Many may now face additional federal charges, such as fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents; assaulting a federal officer; resisting arrest; illegal reentry; and misuse of social security numbers.

According to ICE, during the raid, an illegal immigrant from Honduras assaulted ICE officers and federal partners.

“Yesterday, an illegal alien from Honduras brandished a weapon and assaulted federal agents and officers who were doing their job: protecting American citizens, the public and businesses who are being victimized through identity fraud," said Todd Lyons, ICE acting director.

Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) spoke out after the operations took place in Omaha.

“We understand people’s concerns for their loved one’s safety and have full confidence and expectations that ICE will operate within their legal authority and treat people with respect,” Bacon said. “Our office does not receive reports on individual enforcement and removal operations, but we support the rule of law.”

Bacon’s office added that the warrant by ICE was in relation to stolen identities and that the federal officers verified that Glen Valley complied with E-Verity 100% and is a victim in this as well.

The Omaha Police Department (OPD) assisted ICE in its operations and issued a statement on the situation in a Facebook post.

“The Department of Homeland Security recently notified OPD of the operations, and OPD officers responded to the areas for traffic control,” the police department said. “Federal authorities are responsible for immigration enforcement. OPD’s role is only assisting with traffic control and public safety in the areas near the operations.”

While some media reports have named other meat processors, like JBS, in addition to Glenn Valley Foods as targets of the ICE operation, JBS confirmed that no raid has occurred at its plant.

“At this point in time, there has been no ICE raid at the JBS facility in Omaha,” a JBS spokesperson told MEAT+POULTRY. “It is being incorrectly reported that way, but the actions that have happened so far today have not taken place at our plant.”