ICE, federal partners assaulted during largest worksite enforcement operation in Nebraska under Trump administration

OMAHA, Neb. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and their federal partners were assaulted by an illegal alien while executing a federal search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods into the large-scale employment of aliens without legal work authorization, June 10.

The worksite enforcement operation, in which more than 70 illegal aliens were detained, is the largest to take place in Nebraska since the start of the current presidential administration that has prioritized immigration enforcement efforts and strengthened focus on border security.

“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 ICE acting Director Todd Lyons. “Let’s be clear — this wasn’t just someone ‘out of status.’ This was a violent criminal who attacked law enforcement while they were serving the public, which is why the term ‘criminal alien’ is a distraction. If you’re here illegally, you’ve already broken the law. When you break the law by coming here illegally and then threaten and assault federal officers on top of that — you’re a threat, plain and simple.”

During the operation more than 70 illegal aliens were detained. Some had active local warrants, prior DUI convictions and have been previously deported. Many may now face additional federal charges: fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents; assaulting a federal officer; resisting arrest; illegal reentry; and/or misuse of social security numbers.

“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 the support,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “The reckless rhetoric being thrown around doesn’t just insult their sacrifice, it actively puts communities at risk, undermines law enforcement, and emboldens those who are actively looking to do harm. These men and women swore an oath to uphold the law and should not have to fear the very people they are sworn to protect.”

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 officials have emphasized the agency’s continued focus to identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals in the United States illegally who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations Omaha conducted the operation in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Department of Justice, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ​​Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Nebraska State Patrol, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Nebraska Department of Vehicles Fraud Unit.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Omaha Police Department assisted with traffic control and public safety in the areas near the operation.

If you’re illegally present in the U.S., you don’t have to — and shouldn’t — wait for ICE officials to arrest you. Instead, you can leave on your own terms. Self-Deport now.

Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.