Key Takeaways
• On June 11, 2025, ICE raided Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, arresting over 70 workers.
• Glenn Valley Foods used E-Verify but lost more than half its workforce, operating at 30% capacity.
• The raid exposed E-Verify weaknesses and sparked community protests and policy debates on immigration enforcement.
On June 11, 2025, federal agents carried out a major immigration raid at the Glenn Valley Foods plant in Omaha, Nebraska. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working with the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and local police, arrested more than 70 people. This operation, part of a larger investigation into the employment of unauthorized immigrants, left the company reeling. Glenn Valley Foods, a well-known food processing business, suddenly lost over half its workforce. The owner, Gary Rohwer, says he followed every rule for hiring workers, using the government’s E-Verify system to check that all employees were legally allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸. Now, the company is struggling to keep up, operating at only 30% of its usual capacity.
This event has sparked new questions about the effectiveness of workplace immigration enforcement, the reliability of E-Verify, and the real-life impact of such raids on businesses, workers, and communities. Here’s a closer look at what happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for the future.
What Happened at Glenn Valley Foods?
Who: Glenn Valley Foods, a food processing plant in Omaha, Nebraska, owned by Gary Rohwer
What: ICE and several other agencies raided the plant, arresting over 70 workers
When: June 11, 2025
Where: Omaha, Nebraska
Why: The raid was part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the hiring of unauthorized immigrants
How: Agents entered the plant, detained workers, and removed more than half of the company’s staff
Gary Rohwer, the owner, says he was shocked by the raid. He insists that Glenn Valley Foods used the E-Verify system, a government tool designed to check if new hires are legally allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸. Despite these efforts, the company lost more than half its workforce in a single day.
The E-Verify System: What Is It and How Does It Work?
E-Verify is an online system run by the U.S. government. Employers use it to check if their employees are legally allowed to work in the country. Here’s how it works:
- Enrollment: The employer signs up for E-Verify through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
- Verification: When a new employee is hired, the employer enters the person’s information into the system.
- Results: E-Verify checks the information against government records and tells the employer if the worker is authorized or if there’s a problem.
Employers like Glenn Valley Foods rely on E-Verify to make sure they follow the law. But as this raid shows, the system is not perfect.
Why Did the Raid Happen If E-Verify Was Used?
The raid at Glenn Valley Foods highlights a big problem: E-Verify can be fooled by fake documents or stolen identities. If someone uses a real Social Security number that belongs to someone else, the system may not catch it. This means that even companies that follow the rules can end up with unauthorized workers on their payroll.
Gary Rohwer says he did everything right. He used E-Verify for every employee. Still, ICE arrested more than half his staff. This has left him frustrated and worried about the future of his business.
Impact on Glenn Valley Foods and Its Owner
The raid has had a huge effect on Glenn Valley Foods. With over half the workforce gone, the company is now operating at only 30% of its normal capacity. This means:
- Production is down: The plant can’t make as much food as before.
- Orders are delayed: Customers may have to wait longer for their products.
- Financial strain: The company is losing money every day it can’t run at full speed.
- Hiring challenges: It’s hard to find new workers quickly, especially for jobs that require training.
Gary Rohwer says he’s scrambling to hire new staff, but it’s not easy. Many people in the area are afraid to apply for jobs after seeing what happened. Some worry about being targeted by immigration authorities, even if they have legal status.
Community Reaction and Protests
The raid didn’t just affect Glenn Valley Foods. It sent shockwaves through the local community. Many people gathered to protest the ICE operation. Some, like Sophie James from the Isanti Dakotah Nation of Nebraska, called the raid hypocritical, pointing out the long history of immigration and displacement in the United States 🇺🇸.
Community members say the raid has created fear and uncertainty. Families are worried about loved ones who were arrested. Children may be left without parents. Local businesses that rely on Glenn Valley Foods are also feeling the impact.
Policy Implications: What Does This Raid Reveal?
1. E-Verify System Weaknesses
The Glenn Valley Foods case shows that E-Verify is not foolproof. While it’s meant to help employers follow the law, it can be tricked by people using fake or stolen documents. This puts honest business owners in a tough spot—they can do everything right and still face serious consequences.
2. Immigration Enforcement Tactics
ICE and other agencies say raids like this are necessary to enforce immigration laws. They argue that unauthorized work hurts American workers and businesses that follow the rules. But critics say these raids cause more harm than good, breaking up families and hurting local economies.
3. Community and Economic Impact
When a company like Glenn Valley Foods loses half its workforce overnight, the effects ripple out. Suppliers, customers, and other local businesses all feel the strain. The community may lose jobs and tax revenue. Families may need help from social services.
The Human Side: Real People, Real Consequences
Behind the headlines are real people—workers, families, and business owners—whose lives have been turned upside down.
- Workers arrested: Many of those taken by ICE may face deportation. Some have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, built families, and contributed to their communities.
- Families separated: Children may be left without parents. Spouses may lose their main source of income.
- Business owners in limbo: Gary Rohwer and others like him must rebuild their companies while dealing with the fallout.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these raids often have long-lasting effects on everyone involved, not just those arrested.
How Do Employers Like Glenn Valley Foods Verify Workers?
Employers are required by law to check that every new hire is allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸. The main steps are:
- Form I-9: Every employee must fill out Form I-9, which asks for proof of identity and work authorization.
- E-Verify: Many employers, including Glenn Valley Foods, use E-Verify to double-check the information from Form I-9.
Even with these steps, it’s possible for unauthorized workers to slip through if they use fake or stolen documents. This is a major challenge for both employers and the government.
Multiple Perspectives: What Do Different Groups Say?
Business Owners
Business owners like Gary Rohwer are frustrated. They want to follow the law, but they feel the system sets them up to fail. They worry about being punished for things they can’t control, like document fraud.
Immigrant Advocates
Advocates for immigrants say raids like this are unfair and inhumane. They argue that many workers are just trying to support their families. They call for more humane policies that focus on helping people rather than punishing them.
Law Enforcement
ICE and other agencies say they are just doing their job. They believe enforcing immigration laws is important for national security and the economy. They point out that unauthorized work can hurt American workers and businesses that play by the rules.
Historical Context: Immigration Raids and E-Verify
Workplace immigration raids are not new. Over the years, there have been many high-profile operations targeting businesses suspected of hiring unauthorized workers. The government introduced E-Verify to help employers check work eligibility, but the system has always had its critics.
Some say E-Verify is a good tool, but it needs to be improved. Others argue that only comprehensive immigration reform can solve the deeper problems.
What Happens Next? The Future of E-Verify and Immigration Enforcement
The Glenn Valley Foods raid has renewed calls for changes to the E-Verify system. Some experts say the government should make it harder to use fake or stolen documents. Others believe the whole system needs an overhaul.
There are also ongoing debates about broader immigration reform. Some lawmakers want to make it easier for people to get legal status and work permits. Others focus on stricter enforcement.
For now, there have been no new policy changes announced in response to the Glenn Valley Foods raid. But the event has put a spotlight on the need for better solutions.
Practical Guidance for Employers
If you own a business and want to avoid problems like those faced by Glenn Valley Foods, here are some steps you can take:
- Use E-Verify: Sign up for E-Verify and use it for every new hire. You can learn more and enroll at the official USCIS E-Verify page.
- Carefully review documents: Make sure all documents provided by employees look genuine and match the person presenting them.
- Stay informed: Keep up with changes in immigration laws and policies.
- Consult legal experts: If you’re unsure about your responsibilities, talk to an immigration attorney.
Remember, even the best efforts may not be enough if the system itself has weaknesses. It’s important to stay alert and be prepared for possible challenges.
Resources for Affected Workers and Families
If you or someone you know was affected by the Glenn Valley Foods raid, there are resources available:
- Legal help: Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal aid to immigrants.
- Community support: Local groups may provide food, shelter, and other assistance to families in need.
- Official information: For the latest updates on immigration enforcement, visit the ICE website.
Conclusion: Lessons from Glenn Valley Foods
The ICE raid at Glenn Valley Foods shows just how complicated immigration enforcement can be. Even when business owners like Gary Rohwer follow the rules, they can still face serious trouble if the systems they rely on don’t work as intended. The raid has hurt not only the company but also workers, families, and the wider community.
This event has sparked new debates about how to fix the E-Verify system, how to balance enforcement with fairness, and how to support both businesses and workers. As the country continues to discuss immigration reform, the story of Glenn Valley Foods will likely remain an important example of what’s at stake.
For more information about E-Verify, workplace enforcement, and immigration policies, visit the USCIS E-Verify page. If you’re an employer, stay informed and make sure you’re doing everything you can to follow the law. If you’re a worker or community member, know your rights and seek help if you need it.
The Glenn Valley Foods case is a reminder that immigration policy isn’t just about laws and systems—it’s about real people, real businesses, and real communities. As the debate continues, it’s important to keep these human stories at the center of the conversation.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency enforcing immigration laws in workplaces and borders.
E-Verify → An online system allowing employers to verify if employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Form I-9 → A mandatory form that verifies employee identity and work authorization in U.S. employment.
Unauthorized Immigrants → Individuals working or residing in the U.S. without legal permission or proper documentation.
Social Security Number → A unique identifier issued in the U.S. used for tracking individuals’ earnings and benefits.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 11, 2025, an ICE raid arrested 70 at Glenn Valley Foods, despite E-Verify use. The company now operates at 30% capacity, highlighting flaws in immigration enforcement and prompting community protests and calls for immigration reform and stronger verification systems.
— By VisaVerge.com
