By Hola Nebraska
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Mayor John Ewing announced the proclamation at Plaza de la Raza, one year after the immigration raid at Glenn Valley Foods left dozens of workers detained and families across South Omaha affected.
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Omaha recognized June as Immigrant Heritage Month one year after the immigration raid at Glenn Valley Foods, a federal operation that left a lasting mark on families, businesses and community organizations in South Omaha.
Mayor John Ewing Jr. issued the proclamation during a gathering at Plaza de la Raza in South Omaha, joined by community leaders, immigrant advocates and residents affected by the June 10, 2025, raid.
The operation at Glenn Valley Foods resulted in about 75 workers being detained, according to local and state reports. Immigrant-support organizations have described the raid as one of the most difficult moments South Omaha has faced in recent years.
Ewing said the proclamation recognizes the contributions immigrant families make to Omaha and directs attention to the organizations that continue to support those affected.
In a public post, the mayor said the city is recognizing June as Immigrant Heritage Month to honor immigrants as workers, entrepreneurs, educators, public servants and active members of the community.
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South Omaha families are still feeling the impact one year later
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The raid took place one day after Ewing was sworn in as Omaha mayor.
Workers were detained inside Glenn Valley Foods and taken by bus to immigration processing facilities. Some families went days without clear information about where their loved ones had been taken.
Among the stories shared publicly is that of Luis Mejia, who worked at the plant with his mother, Ada. She was detained during the operation and later held at the Lincoln County Jail in North Platte before being released on bond while her immigration case continued.
Mejia, who was born in the United States, said his mother hugged him during the raid and told him to take care of his younger siblings.
After the detention, affected families had to reorganize expenses, housing, child care and work. Some households had depended on the detained family member as their main source of income.
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Local organizations continue supporting families
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Heartland Workers Center was one of the organizations that responded in the first days after the raid, helping identify affected families and urgent needs.
In the weeks that followed, some social service and legal support cases also moved to the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, known as CIRA.
CIRA has said many families needed help with rent, food and long-term planning. Some people stopped leaving their homes out of fear, while others had to move in with relatives or find new ways to keep their households afloat.
Lina Traslaviña Stover, executive director of Heartland Workers Center, took part in the anniversary gathering and spoke about family separation, fear and the responsibilities young people took on inside their homes.
Local leaders and elected officials also attended, including Douglas County Board Chair Roger Garcia and state Sens. Margo Juarez and Dunixi Guereca, both of Omaha.
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South Omaha businesses also felt the effects of the raid
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The impact reached beyond the families of detained workers.
South Omaha merchants reported a drop in activity in the days after the raid, as many people avoided leaving their homes. Irma Villezca, director of the South Omaha Business Association, said several businesses closed temporarily and some were unable to recover.
As part of the community response, local leaders organized Día de Alegría, or Day of Joy, a South Omaha event with music, historical tours, children’s activities and calls to support neighborhood businesses.
Laura Contreras, board president of the Latino Economic Development Council, encouraged residents to shop at South Omaha businesses and take part in local activities.
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The raid remains under public scrutiny
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Federal authorities presented the Glenn Valley Foods operation as part of an investigation into documents that were allegedly fraudulent or stolen and used for employment.
Immigrant advocates have questioned the outcome of the raid and the harm caused to families and businesses. Nebraska Examiner reported that available public documents showed one identity-fraud-related conviction involving a Glenn Valley worker.
Glenn Valley Foods was not criminally charged. Company executives have said they used the federal E-Verify system for hiring.
Local officials and advocates have also called for broader and more humane immigration policy. During the South Omaha gathering, Ewing called for federal immigration reform that includes a legal path for nonviolent migrants.
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Immigrant Heritage Month in Omaha
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With the proclamation, Omaha joins communities that use June to recognize the role immigrant families play in local economies, culture and public life.
In South Omaha, the recognition is tied to the anniversary of the Glenn Valley Foods raid and to the work of organizations still supporting affected families.
Local leaders mentioned organizations including Heartland Workers Center, CIRA, ACLU of Nebraska and groups connected to South Omaha’s economic and commercial development.
The Immigrant Heritage Month proclamation was issued during the week of the first anniversary of the Glenn Valley Foods raid, which happened June 10, 2025.
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