OMAHA, Neb. — The proprietor of an Omaha-based food packaging business is voicing frustration with federal immigration authorities after a raid resulted in the arrest of over half of his employees. Despite claims that his company adhered strictly to government guidelines for validating workers’ legal status, owner Gary Rohwer expressed deep disappointment over the raid.
Glenn Valley Foods is now grappling with the aftermath as operations have been reduced to 30% capacity while efforts to recruit new staff are underway. “I was very upset,” Rohwer stated outside the plant, expressing disbelief over the situation, particularly because the company had consistently relied on the E-Verify system, as instructed.
E-Verify, a tool developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the late 1990s, allows employers to quickly determine if prospective employees are legally eligible to work in the U.S., often through Social Security numbers. While major corporations like Starbucks and Walmart utilize this system, it remains underutilized by most employers. Critics argue that E-Verify is susceptible to manipulation via fake documents.
Federal authorities acknowledged that stolen identities or fraudulent IDs might have been used to bypass the E-Verify procedures at Glenn Valley Foods, describing the system as “broken” and “flawed” during the raid discussions. However, Rohwer emphasized that this recognition does not mitigate the financial impact on his business.
He urged the U.S. government to devise a clear approach to enable companies to secure legitimate workforce assistance. The raid conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement led to the arrest of more than 70 individuals. Among them, a national from Honduras reportedly assaulted federal agents during the roundup.
This Omaha raid is part of a broader immigration enforcement initiative endorsed by the Trump administration, which has intensified its efforts recently. Additionally, large mobilizations of National Guard troops and Marines were deployed to manage protests in various areas, including Los Angeles, over the administration’s immigration policies.
The community in southeastern Omaha—where nearly 25% of residents are born outside the U.S. according to census data from 2020—responded to the ICE actions with significant protests Tuesday evening. The raid’s repercussions extended with local landmarks like the Metropolitan Community College’s South Omaha campus and nearby businesses closing their doors temporarily.
Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board of Commissioners Chairman, remarked on the widespread anxiety, noting the uncertainty felt by residents and businesses. He also highlighted economic concerns stemming from disrupted commerce and tax collection. Garcia’s own family experienced the raid’s impact directly, as an aunt-in-law was among the detainees.
Coinciding with the raid was the inauguration of Omaha’s new Mayor, John Ewing, who assumed office following victory over former three-term Republican Mayor Jean Stothert. Though questioned about potential motives tied to his inauguration timing, Mayor Ewing criticized the federal actions and proclaimed solidarity with Omaha’s populace.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer echoed a commitment to community welfare by ensuring the department refrains from involvement in immigration status evaluations, stressing, “I need victims to come forward. They will not come forward if they’re fearful of Omaha Police Department being immigration officers.”