Omaha, NE — A large-scale immigration enforcement operation at a meat processing facility in Omaha turned violent Wednesday when an illegal immigrant from Honduras allegedly brandished a weapon and assaulted federal agents, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The raid, carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its federal partners, led to the detention of more than 70 individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally. Several detainees reportedly had prior DUI convictions, existing arrest warrants, or had been previously deported.
“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,” ICE acting Director Todd Lyons said Wednesday.
The alleged assault occurred as agents executed a warrant at Glenn Valley Foods, a meat-processing plant in Omaha. Protesters gathered outside the facility during the raid, with some jumping on an ICE vehicle and others reportedly throwing rocks as a white bus carrying detained workers left the scene.
Officials said the detained individuals may face additional federal charges, including misuse of visas and Social Security numbers, resisting arrest, and illegal reentry.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito praised the agents’ efforts, saying, “Our ICE agents and officers — along with our federal partners — put their lives on the line every day to protect the American public. They don’t ask for praise. They ask for support.”
Zito also criticized what he called “reckless rhetoric” that he believes puts officers and communities at greater risk.
Chad Hartmann, president of Glenn Valley Foods, expressed surprise at the raid, saying the plant uses the federal E-Verify system to confirm the immigration status of all new hires.
The enforcement action was part of a coordinated effort involving multiple federal and state agencies, including the FBI, Department of Justice, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Nebraska State Patrol, and others.
Officials have not released further details about the assault or whether any officers were injured.
