A recent immigration enforcement action in Nebraska has raised questions about long-standing claims that the U.S. “needs” illegal immigrants to fill jobs most Americans will not do.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 76 individuals at Glenn Valley Foods, a meatpacking facility in the small city of Crete, Neb. Twelve were deported immediately. At the same time, the rest remain in federal detention awaiting immigration proceedings. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the operation was part of a broader federal investigation into the “systematic employment of aliens without legal work authorization.”
Immediately after the raid, dozens of legal applicants began arriving to apply for the newly vacated jobs. Many were Spanish-speaking and appeared to be either American citizens or lawful residents. Local media reported that some applicants said they had been waiting for a chance to work at the plant but couldn’t get hired.
According to company officials, production at the plant fell by about 20% the morning after the raid. However, they quickly began onboarding new workers, and operations returned to near-normal levels within days. Nearby businesses noticed a change. The Associated Press reported that a local hair salon saw fewer customers, reflecting the absence of undocumented workers in the community.
The federal investigation also revealed extensive identity fraud. ICE officials said over 100 U.S. citizens were victims of identity theft tied to the arrested workers, with some suffering issues involving healthcare, taxes, and driver’s licenses. Mark Zito, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations, rejected the notion that those detained were “hardworking immigrants,” saying the operation was focused on criminal misuse of identification documents.
Gov. Jim Pillen, R-Nebraska, voiced support for the enforcement action, stating, “We have to address the issue of illegal immigration, and I support the work of our federal partners to ensure that the law is followed.” state Sen. Kathleen Kauth, R-Omaha, added, “We owe ICE a debt of gratitude. They’re there to keep us safe.”
Meanwhile, others raised concerns about the raid’s effects. Omaha Mayor John Ewing, a Democrat, said the action created “uncertainty and fear” in the community and called for comprehensive immigration reform. Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia, who visited the plant during the operation, noted the emotional toll on families, saying, “There’s gonna be a lot of hurt in this community today.”
In April, job openings in the U.S. rose to 7.4 million, according to federal labor data. By early June, the labor market remained strong with more than 130,000 jobs added and unemployment steady.
This case underscores ongoing debates about immigration, identity verification systems, and workforce participation in blue-collar industries. While the investigation at Glenn Valley Foods is ongoing, it has already prompted renewed attention from political leaders, law enforcement, and local communities alike.
