OMAHA, Neb. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested four protesters on Wednesday after they were caught on video damaging federal property and threatening federal officers during a search warrant operation at Glenn Valley Foods.
The protest broke out in response to a June 10 enforcement action targeting individuals suspected of using stolen or fraudulent identities to gain illegal employment. ICE stated that the operation aimed to address identity theft that victimizes both individuals and businesses.
“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,” said ICE acting Director Todd Lyons.
According to ICE, the protesters now face felony charges, including assaulting and interfering with federal officers, as well as damaging government property. The federal investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify others who may have participated in the violence.
The operation was conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.
Federal authorities condemn violent protest tactics
ICE officials emphasized the difference between constitutionally protected peaceful protest and the violent actions displayed during the operation. “Peaceful protest is a right protected under the Constitution, and our agents are proud to defend that right every day,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Kansas City Mark Zito. “But threats, violence, and property damage by criminal actors claiming some kind of vigilante justice will not be tolerated in the Heartland.”
Authorities underscored that the primary targets of the June 10 operation were individuals suspected of stealing personal information to obtain work authorization fraudulently. ICE officials argue that such identity theft can cause significant harm to victims who may have to rebuild their financial and personal records.
The four arrested protesters remain in custody pending formal charges and court appearances.
ICE stated that it remains committed to enforcing federal law and holding accountable those who interfere with lawful operations.
The arrests follow heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement operations in the Midwest.
