Nebraska schools, churches, and immigrant communities are gearing up for possible immigration raids following former President Donald Trump’s declaration of the “largest deportation operation in American history.” The state is experiencing confusion and fear as organizations and individuals prepare for potential separations of families and workplace raids.
Last week, over 500 teachers, principals, and superintendents attended a two-hour Zoom meeting to discuss a pressing question: What should schools do if immigration raids occur?
The meeting highlighted several key concerns:
- How should schools respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enters their premises?
- What rights do students have, and how can they be informed?
- How should parents prepare for possible detentions, especially in cases where children might be left alone after a raid?
Dylan Severino, an attorney with ACLU Nebraska, emphasized, “Your obligation is to your students’ rights. It’s not to ICE.”
Advocates and Leaders Take Action
Since Election Day, Nebraska’s advocates, lawyers, and immigrant communities have been actively preparing for such scenarios. Grassroots organizations, schools, and churches have been holding “know your rights” sessions and creating emergency plans.
In Lexington, advocates are educating families about their rights, while in Grand Island, pamphlets are being distributed to help families prepare for worst-case scenarios. Immigration attorneys have been fielding inquiries from churches and schools across Lincoln and Schuyler, addressing concerns about whether these locations are safe from ICE operations.
Zoom calls among community leaders are increasingly focused on devising contingency plans to support affected families, especially in workplaces vulnerable to raids.
Preparing for the Storm
Elsa R. Aranda, director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) of Nebraska, likened the situation to preparing for a natural disaster.
“It’s like preparing for a storm. You board up your house, take precautions, and make plans,” Aranda said. Families are being encouraged to make arrangements for financial and childcare responsibilities. “We don’t want to incite fear, but we also cannot run and hide.”
Potential Impact on Nebraska’s Immigrant Population
Deportation on the scale described could affect more than 150,000 immigrants in Nebraska. This includes undocumented workers, asylum-seeking teens, and mixed-status families where U.S.-born children have undocumented parents.
“It’s not just about documented versus undocumented,” said Kevin Ruser, director of the Nebraska College of Law’s Immigration Clinic. “There are many shades of gray. It’s way more complicated than that.”
Immigrants living under temporary protected status, as well as those waiting for hearings, are also vulnerable. The uncertainty surrounding their futures adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Supporting the Community
Despite the challenges, Nebraska’s communities are rallying to support one another. Many families are establishing emergency contacts and assigning trusted individuals to step in if parents are detained. Others are creating financial and legal plans to safeguard their assets and ensure their children are cared for.
Local leaders and advocates stress the importance of staying informed and prepared while maintaining hope.
A Call for Understanding
Amid the growing anxiety, organizations are calling for a more compassionate approach to immigration policies. Advocates emphasize the need for clarity and fairness in addressing the situation, particularly for families who have lived in the U.S. for years.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Trump’s proposed actions materialize and how Nebraska’s communities will respond. For now, the focus remains on preparation, resilience, and standing together in the face of uncertainty.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers
