LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested four aggressive protestors in Omaha on Thursday, according to Homeland Security.
The arrest came after authorities say the four individuals were caught on camera damaging federal property and threatening to assault federal agents after the search at Glenn Valley Foods.
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“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,” he said. “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 protestors who were arrested are expected to face charges of assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating or interfering with a federal officer while on duty.
According to authorities, they could also face charges related to damaging government property.
Special Agent in Charge of HSI Kansas City — which covers Omaha — Mark Zito said threats, violence and property damage will not be tolerated.
“Peaceful protest is a right protected under the Constitution, and our agents are proud to defend that right every day,” he said. “But threats, violence, and property damage by criminal actors claiming some kind of vigilante justice will not be tolerated in the Heartland.”
The investigation into additional people involved in the violence is ongoing.
