Over 100 Americans’ lives were devastated as illegal aliens using stolen identities defrauded them of benefits, healthcare, and financial security, while a company claiming to use E-Verify failed to protect citizens.
Key Takeaways
- ICE raided Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, Nebraska, uncovering a massive identity theft scheme perpetrated by over 70 illegal aliens against more than 100 American citizens
- Despite the company’s claims of using E-Verify, illegal aliens easily bypassed the system using stolen Social Security numbers and identities
- Victims faced severe consequences, including denial of Social Security benefits, healthcare services, and educational opportunities
- The raid, the largest worksite enforcement action in Nebraska since President Trump’s second term began, resulted in over 60 illegal aliens being detained pending immigration proceedings
- Experts estimate there could be up to 39 million cases of identity theft by illegal aliens nationwide from 2012 to 2016
Massive Identity Theft Ring Dismantled in Nebraska
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have uncovered a “massive identity theft” scheme at Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, Nebraska, victimizing over 100 American citizens across multiple states. The June 10th raid, which resulted in the discovery of more than 70 illegal aliens working at the facility, represents the largest worksite enforcement action in Nebraska since President Trump returned to office. Authorities found the illegal workers had been using stolen Social Security numbers and personal identities to fraudulently gain employment, health benefits, and wages, creating a cascade of devastating financial and personal consequences for American victims in California, Colorado, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
“The criminals who stole these identities didn’t just break the law; they upended lives. These victims aren’t faceless statistics; they’re real people who are being denied healthcare and have lost educational opportunities,” said Special Agent Mark Zito of ICE.
Real Victims with Shattered Lives
The human toll of this identity theft operation extends far beyond paperwork violations. In one case, a disabled American in Texas was denied Social Security benefits because earnings were being reported under their stolen identity at Glenn Valley Foods. Another victim in Pennsylvania was unable to obtain necessary prescription medications because someone else was using their identity for healthcare coverage. Perhaps most devastating, a nursing student in Missouri lost critical tuition assistance when their financial aid application was rejected due to inflated income figures reported by an identity thief working at the food processing plant.
“There have been individuals who have gone on the record recently referring to the identity thieves we arrested last week as ‘good, hardworking, and honest,'” said ICE’s Mark Zito. “These so-called honest workers have caused an immeasurable amount of financial and emotional hardship for innocent Americans. If pretending to be someone you aren’t to steal their lives isn’t blatant, criminal dishonesty, I don’t know what is.”
In yet another example of the far-reaching damage, an American citizen in Colorado received an IRS notice demanding repayment of over $5,000 due to income reported under their Social Security number that they never actually earned. The victims are now faced with the arduous task of reclaiming their identities and repairing their financial records, a process that can take years and cost thousands of dollars in legal fees and lost opportunities.
Failure of Employment Verification Systems
Despite Glenn Valley Foods’ claims that they diligently used E-Verify to confirm work eligibility, the system failed to prevent the widespread employment of illegal aliens using stolen identities. This case exposes a critical vulnerability in the nation’s employment verification infrastructure – while E-Verify can confirm whether a Social Security number is valid, it cannot determine if the person presenting the number is its rightful owner. This loophole allows illegal aliens to easily circumvent the system by using stolen but legitimate identification information, leaving American citizens to deal with the catastrophic aftermath.
The Immigration Reform Law Institute has reported that between 2012 and 2016, there were potentially 39 million cases of identity theft perpetrated by illegal aliens nationwide. This epidemic of fraud demonstrates the urgent need for stronger employment verification systems that can detect identity theft, not just validate document numbers. The ICE operation in Nebraska is reminiscent of a similar 2019 raid in Mississippi that also uncovered widespread identity theft by illegal workers, indicating this is a persistent nationwide problem requiring immediate and comprehensive federal attention.
Operation Results and Next Steps
The multi-agency effort led by ICE has resulted in more than 60 illegal aliens being detained at the Lincoln County Jail pending immigration proceedings. Additionally, five individuals were charged following encounters with federal law enforcement during the execution of the search warrant. The raid has also created immediate job opportunities for legal immigrants and American citizens in the area. As investigations continue, ICE is encouraging anyone with information about immigration violations or related criminal activity to contact their Tip Line to assist in their ongoing efforts to combat identity theft and protect American citizens.
With President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement, operations like the one at Glenn Valley Foods send a clear message that identity theft by illegal aliens will not be tolerated. The administration has prioritized protecting American citizens from the financial and personal devastation caused by such crimes, while simultaneously opening employment opportunities for legal residents who have followed the proper channels to live and work in the United States. This enforcement action represents just one battle in the larger war against identity theft and illegal immigration that continues to affect communities across the nation.
