Federal authorities arrested four individuals on June 12 following a violent riot at the site of a federal immigration enforcement action in Nebraska. The demonstrators were taken into custody after reportedly threatening federal officers and damaging property during a response to an earlier operation at Glenn Valley Foods

The protest followed a June 10 immigration enforcement operation targeting individuals accused of using stolen or fraudulent documents to illegally obtain employment. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials stated that the protesters became aggressive and attempted to disrupt the lawful execution of a federal search warrant.

“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 protesters face potential felony charges, including assaulting and impeding federal officers and damaging federal property. ICE stated that the investigation remains ongoing and additional individuals involved in the violence could face charges.

The enforcement action was led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, and the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.

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