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Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Omaha mayor doesn't ‘know why' city was targeted in ICE raid
OMAHA, Neb. (NewsNation) — Omaha's newly inaugurated mayor says he 'doesn't know' why the city was targeted by federal immigration officials which resulted in the arrests of more than 100 people. Mayor John Ewing Jr., a Democrat who was sworn into office on Monday, said his team is still working to get more details on the status of those arrested in Nebraska's largest workplace operation under President Trump. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer told reporters Wednesday that his department did not assist federal agents in the raid. He said Omaha Police officers seen at the site of the raid were there to provide traffic control. He expressed concern that undocumented residents would not report crime if they're concerned that local police are acting as immigration enforcement. 'We weren't part of the aiding function of this. As far as planning of the raid, as far as knowledge of the operation, anything of that nature … the Omaha Police Department did not have a role in that,' said Schmaderer. 'I can assure the public that the Omaha Police Department will not be involved in checking immigration status in our community. I need (crime) victims to come forward. They will not come forward if they're fearful of the Omaha Police Department being immigration officers.' Ewing called on Congress to develop a 'comprehensive immigration policy.' 'Right now, what is happening across the country is a lot of fear is being created,' he said. 'We don't have an understandable approach to immigration, especially when it comes to our Latino members of this country.' Out of the 107 people who were targeted in the raid, 70 were detained after ICE determined their status. The raid happened around 9 a.m. at Glenn Valley Foods in south Omaha, an area where nearly a quarter of residents are foreign-born according to the 2020 census. A small group of people came out to protest the raid, and some of them even jumped on the front bumper of a vehicle to try to stop officers in one location while others threw rocks at officials' vehicles as a white bus carrying workers pulled away from a plant. Many workers attempted to avoid arrest by hiding in building rafters and walk-in freezers with subzero temperatures, prompting EMTs to respond and check individuals for health and safety concerns, according to federal agents on scene. The operation comes amid nationwide protests over immigration enforcement, particularly in Los Angeles, where similar workplace raids last week triggered demonstrations that prompted Trump to deploy National Guard troops. Glenn Valley Foods owner Gary Rohwer said he used the federal E-Verify system to check workers' eligibility but was deceived by employees using stolen identities of U.S. citizens, which allowed them to pass background checks. The operation is part of the Trump administration's renewed focus on workplace enforcement as part of broader immigration crackdowns. Such operations have become flashpoints for protests, with critics arguing they separate families and damage communities while supporters say they're necessary to enforce immigration law and protect American workers. NewsNation's Ali Bradley contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Omaha mayor doesn't ‘know why' city was targeted in ICE raid
OMAHA, Neb. (NewsNation) — Omaha's newly inaugurated mayor says he 'doesn't know' why the city was targeted by federal immigration officials which resulted in the arrests of more than 100 people. Mayor John Ewing Jr., a Democrat who was sworn into office on Monday, said his team is still working to get more details on the status of those arrested in Nebraska's largest workplace operation under President Trump. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer told reporters Wednesday that his department did not assist federal agents in the raid. He said Omaha Police officers seen at the site of the raid were there to provide traffic control. He expressed concern that undocumented residents would not report crime if they're concerned that local police are acting as immigration enforcement. 'We weren't part of the aiding function of this. As far as planning of the raid, as far as knowledge of the operation, anything of that nature … the Omaha Police Department did not have a role in that,' said Schmaderer. 'I can assure the public that the Omaha Police Department will not be involved in checking immigration status in our community. I need (crime) victims to come forward. They will not come forward if they're fearful of the Omaha Police Department being immigration officers.' Ewing called on Congress to develop a 'comprehensive immigration policy.' 'Right now, what is happening across the country is a lot of fear is being created,' he said. 'We don't have an understandable approach to immigration, especially when it comes to our Latino members of this country.' Out of the 107 people who were targeted in the raid, 70 were detained after ICE determined their status. The raid happened around 9 a.m. at Glenn Valley Foods in south Omaha, an area where nearly a quarter of residents are foreign-born according to the 2020 census. A small group of people came out to protest the raid, and some of them even jumped on the front bumper of a vehicle to try to stop officers in one location while others threw rocks at officials' vehicles as a white bus carrying workers pulled away from a plant. Many workers attempted to avoid arrest by hiding in building rafters and walk-in freezers with subzero temperatures, prompting EMTs to respond and check individuals for health and safety concerns, according to federal agents on scene. The operation comes amid nationwide protests over immigration enforcement, particularly in Los Angeles, where similar workplace raids last week triggered demonstrations that prompted Trump to deploy National Guard troops. Glenn Valley Foods owner Gary Rohwer said he used the federal E-Verify system to check workers' eligibility but was deceived by employees using stolen identities of U.S. citizens, which allowed them to pass background checks. The operation is part of the Trump administration's renewed focus on workplace enforcement as part of broader immigration crackdowns. Such operations have become flashpoints for protests, with critics arguing they separate families and damage communities while supporters say they're necessary to enforce immigration law and protect American workers. NewsNation's Ali Bradley contributed to this report.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Ewing Jr. sworn in as Omaha's 52nd mayor. What to know about the city's first elected Black mayor
John Ewing Jr., a former police officer and treasurer of Nebraska's most populous county, was sworn in June 9 as Omaha's 52nd mayor – and its first elected Black mayor. Ewing stood beside his wife, Viv, as he took the oath of office from Douglas County Judge Vernon Daniels. "I believe government should be a stabilizing force for helping people live their best lives," Ewing said in a speech after the ceremony. "I will do my very best. I will work tirelessly for you, the people of Omaha." Ewing is Omaha's first elected Black mayor, but the Omaha World-Herald reported that then-City Council president Fred Conley, who is Black, briefly became the city's acting mayor in 1988. Ewing was born and raised in North Omaha, according to his campaign website. He spent nearly 25 years with the Omaha Police Department, where he retired as deputy chief. For the last 18 years, Ewing has served as Douglas County treasurer. He is also an ordained minister at Salem Baptist Church in Omaha, and a "husband, father and grandfather," his website says. Ewing and his wife have two daughters and a grandson. Ewing is 64 years old. He celebrated his birthday in April. Here's what Ewing's campaign website says about his stance on various issues. Public safety: "I am dedicated to implementing comprehensive strategies that will ensure the safety of our city. These strategies include a focus on community policing, proper officer training, and clear accountability standards that protect both officers and the public." Economic development: "My administration is committed to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for all. We will actively work to attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and invest in infrastructure projects that will stimulate economic development and job creation." Housing: "We recognize the critical shortage of high-density affordable housing. My administration will prioritize the addition of at least 1,500 affordable housing units to our housing stock. This initiative will not only address the immediate housing shortage but also create living-wage jobs." This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Here's what to know about John Ewing Jr., Omaha's newest mayor
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From patrol car to power: Omaha elects former cop John Ewing as city's first black Mayor
There was quiet emotion on the face of John Ewing as the final votes rolled in. A man who spent nearly 25 years walking Omaha's streets in uniform, and another 17 managing county finances, had just earned the trust of the entire city. The newly elected mayor of Omaha, its first Black mayor, embraced family, supporters, and the weight of history. Ewing's win in Tuesday's (May 13) general election unseated three-term incumbent Jean Stothert , closing the chapter on one of the city's most transformative mayoralties and opening a new era rooted in access, equity, and efficiency. A changing of the guard in Omaha Jean Stothert's 12-year tenure as Omaha's mayor ended not with controversy, but with a ceremonial passing of the torch. Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Harry Potter Actress Amazes Fans After 20 Years.. Lawyers Favorite Undo "I called John Ewing and I congratulated him," she said at her Election Night event. "John Ewing is inheriting tonight a great city, and we leave a strong foundation for the city that we love." Stothert, a Republican who became Omaha's first female mayor in 2013, leaves behind a legacy of economic development, urban revitalization, and stability. In 2021, she won her third term with more than 64% of the vote. This time, voters chose a new direction, one represented by a Democrat with deep roots in public service. Live Events Nebraska's Second Congressional District Representative Don Bacon lauded both leaders. 'Mayor Jean Stothert has been an absolutely great mayor for Omaha... I congratulate John Ewing on his victory. We will work together to serve the great citizens of Omaha.' Ewing's path: from law enforcement to leadership John Ewing's story is distinctly Omahian. His career journey winding through the corridors of law enforcement and public finance. After nearly 25 years with the Omaha Police Department, Ewing became Douglas County Treasurer, a position he held for 17 years. As a mayoral candidate, he ran on a platform focused on delivering city services effectively and making government more accessible to everyday residents. His historic win earned praise from party leadership. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb called it a 'new era for Omaha.' Ewing's campaign was grounded in practicality rather than partisanship, pledging to bring city hall closer to its people. Greater Omaha Chamber President Heath Mello also congratulated Ewing and honored Stothert. 'Her dedication has put Omaha on a strong trajectory for the future. Congratulations to Mayor-Elect John Ewing on his election victory. We look forward on plans for Omaha's bright future.' The next chapter begins June 9 As Omaha prepares for Ewing's swearing-in on June 9, the symbolism of this election cannot be overstated. A city that has long balanced its Midwestern traditions with changing demographics now has leadership that reflects both its past and its future. The mayor-elect has not outlined sweeping overhauls, but rather a commitment to refinement: better services, stronger access to city government, and efficient municipal operations. His work starts not with promises of transformation, but with the methodical resolve of a public servant who knows the city from the sidewalk up.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
3 bodies found in Missouri River believed to be girls who went missing while fishing in Omaha
Authorities believe they have recovered the bodies of three girls who went missing after going on a fishing trip last month on the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska. Lah Tray Moo, 18, Laiana Green, 18, and Eh Cress Moo, 11, were out on the water and reported missing on April 15, according to NBC News affiliate WOWT. The station reported that they were with a 13-year-old relative who was unharmed. Authorities said one of the girls slipped into the river and the others went into the water in an attempt to rescue her. Lah Tray Moo's body was found on Saturday by a bystander at NP Dodge Park. A representative for the Omaha Police Department confirmed to NBC News that her body has been positively identified. Coby Werner, battalion chief, told WOWT at the time that the discovery could help recovery teams find the other two girls. "The indication is that maybe the girls are still up in this area," Werner said. "But with the way the river flows, you just never know, so we're going to continue, we're going to focus up here tomorrow, but we'll also continue to search down river as well just in case." In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Omaha Fire Department confirmed that two more bodies were recovered in the river on Tuesday night. Eh Cress Moo would have turned 12 years old on April 22. Autopsies were still underway to confirm their identities, the police department said, but they are presumed to be the other two missing girls. "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these girls," the fire department wrote on Facebook. "The loss of these young lives has touched our entire community, and our hearts continue to be with you now and in the days ahead." A GoFundMe raising fund for the Moo family to cover funeral expenses asked for prayers and support as they handle the "devastating loss." "This is a nightmare for our family as we have to go through this tragedy," the campaign wrote. "We're grateful for everyone who has been there for us in this difficult time." This article was originally published on
