Update: Birthright citizenship

What we know about the recent birthright citizenship ruling

The promise of birthright citizenship has protected millions of families for nearly 160 years. Last week, the Supreme Court made it easier to attack that promise. This is a terrifying moment so we want to break down what we know today, what’s at stake in the days ahead, and how CIRA will keep fighting for every family’s right to belong.

June 17 update: Legal aid and social work

Over the weekend, our legal team was on site at a detention center four hours from Omaha, meeting one-on-one with the workers who were arrested in last week’s immigration raid — the largest our city has seen in years. Of the 107 who were apprehended, 63 were transferred to a detention center in North Platte. For many, their first chance to speak with an attorney was nearly 96 hours after they were arrested last Tuesday, June 10. Most have still not been charged yet.

June 12 update: ICE raids in Omaha

On Tuesday, June 10, we saw the largest ICE raid in years right here in Omaha. Nearly 100 people were arrested at work and 74 were taken into custody. Since then, our team has been working around the clock to get details on where individuals were being held so we could provide them legal counsel.

June 11 update: ICE raids in Omaha

Yesterday, Nebraskans saw the largest ICE raid in years right here in Omaha. Nearly 100 people were arrested at work and as of this morning, 74 remain in custody.

Since news broke, our emergency hotline has been flooded with calls. Families are desperate for answers. Many are unsure where their loved ones are. Everyone is simply trying to help.

Business Owners and Managers: Know Your Rights at Work​

The constitution of the United States protects business owners and managers against unlawful entry by immigration officers, or ICE.

If an immigration officer is attempting to enter your place of business, you have the right to request to review a valid judicial warrant. A valid judicial warrant will say at the top United States District Court and will be signed by a federal judge.

ICE raids in Omaha: What you need to know.

This morning, June 10, 2025, immigration raids were reported across south Omaha at several large food processing and packaging facilities. Eyewitnesses described people being zip-tied, separated, and detained — while families wait in fear for answers.

Our immigrant neighbors are scared and rightfully so. And they need our help. This is exactly why CIRA exists.

The Promise of Our Support

Between now and January 20, the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) will help resettle 350 refugees hoping for a new life in Nebraska. Many will arrive with nothing but hope – and the promise of our support.

A Story of Hope

When we first met Sara, she was living in fear that she’d be forced to leave her small Nebraska town. Like many of our immigrant and refugee neighbors, she was feeling more and more isolated. Without legal status and struggling to find Spanish-language resources, even reaching out felt impossible. But Sara’s story didn’t end there.

5 Facts: A simple guide for a complex issue

At Thanksgiving tables across America this week, talk may turn to immigration. You may hear heated rhetoric about “invasions” and calls for mass deportation. We’ve learned that the best response is to stick to what’s really at stake: our neighbors, our communities, and our shared humanity.