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.
Voices from the front: Q&A with Veronica Amaya
Veronica Amaya is often the first person a client opens up to. Over her eight years with the organization, the lead legal assistant has helped hundreds of families navigate the immigration system — as an interpreter, advocate, and calm presence in moments of real fear.
Voices from the Front: Q&A with Marcos Fregoso
Marcos Fregoso is a CIRA social worker based in Grand Island, Nebraska. He travels to rural communities to support unaccompanied minors and families, connecting them with essential resources like housing, medical care, and legal help.
Expanded Use of Expedited Removal
The Trump administration has expanded its use of “expedited removal”, a process that allows the government to quickly deport certain undocumented individuals without the chance to present their case before an immigration judge. Previously, ICE and CBP could only use expedited removal against people apprehended within 100 miles of the border and within 14 days of their arrival.
Take Action: H.R.29/S.5, Laken Riley Act
H.R.29/S.5, known as the Laken Riley Act, which has passed in the House and advanced in the Senate, would “flip our system of constitutional governance on its head and empower individual states and federal judges to run immigration law.”
Biden Administration announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela
The Biden Administration announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela for an additional 18-month period. These extensions allow qualifying individuals who previously registered or were approved for TPS under each country’s designation to re-register during yet-to-be-announced time periods.