ACLU faults 'cruel' policy change by ICE in Omaha raid

ACLU Nebraska representatives say the case of a man detained by ICE after an immigration raid in Omaha shows a “cruel” policy change, and raises due process questions.

The Omaha man, whom ACLU said it’s not naming because he’s still involved in immigration proceedings, was among about 70 workers detained in a June 10 raid at Glenn Valley Foods.

He was taken to the Lincoln County jail in North Platte, but an Omaha immigration judge ruled he was not a flight or safety risk, and he posted a $10,000 bond on July 10.

ACLU said ICE refused to release him for another 11 days before acknowledging an “oversight” and letting him go.

Executive Director Mindy Rush Chipman said the case appears to reflect a new ICE policy that people who enter the country without permission are not eligible to bond out.

“The way that it's been for years and years and years, is that if he's able to show that he's not a danger or flight risk, that he can do that while being with his family in the community. And so the sudden change is abrupt, and it's cruel, and it's punishing entire families and communities, not just the individual,” she said.

Rush Chipman said dozens of people detained by ICE in Nebraska remain in custody even after having bond set.

ICE did not immediately respond to request for comment.