ICE Arrests Violent Protesters Who Threatened Law enforcement Officers, Damaged Property

OMAHA, Neb. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested four aggressive protestors, June 12, who were caught on video damaging federal property and threatening to assault federal agents and officers following the execution of a federal search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods.

The protest was in response to a June 10 operation targeting illegal aliens suspected of victimizing individuals and businesses by using stolen or fraudulent identities and documents to gain employment illegally.

“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. “The irony is stark; while they falsely accuse federal agents of injustice, they themselves engage in the very abuse, intimidation, and lawlessness they claim to oppose. I’d suggest they start standing up for the victims in these cases, these victims may have to completely rebuild their lives after having their personal information stolen or used fraudulently. Where is the concern for the justice they deserve?”

The investigation was conducted by ICE HSI with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and the State of Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.

The protesters arrested are expected to face felony charges of assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with a federal officer while engaged in the performance of their official duties as well as damaging government property.

ICE HSI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our nation’s laws and immigration system and ensuring that those who exploit it, or attempt to interfere with its enforcement, are held accountable.

The investigation into additional individuals involved in the violence is ongoing.

“Peaceful protest is a right protected under the Constitution, and our agents are proud to defend that right every day,” said Special Agent Charge of HSI Kansas City Mark Zito, which covers Omaha. “But threats, violence, and property damage by criminal actors claiming some kind of vigilante justice will not be tolerated in the Heartland.”

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.