ICE Is Lying to Us — And Nebraskans Should Pay Attention
Immigration enforcement is often portrayed as targeted, necessary, and fair. But the reality—especially here in Nebraska—is far more complicated. Across the state, people are being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without judicial warrants, held in county jails through ICE detainer requests, and deported to unsafe conditions abroad.
These are not isolated events. They are systemic practices that raise serious legal and human rights concerns—and they’re happening in Lincoln, Omaha, and communities across Nebraska.
ICE Enforcement in Nebraska: What’s Really Happening?
Federal immigration enforcement often depends on local cooperation. In Nebraska, that cooperation takes several forms:
1. ICE Detainer Requests
Local jails—including those in Lancaster and Douglas Counties—may receive ICE detainer requests, asking law enforcement to hold individuals beyond their release date for immigration pickup. These requests are not judicial warrants, and compliance is voluntary. Yet many jails comply.
2. 287(g) Agreements
Some Nebraska law enforcement agencies participate in 287(g) agreements, which deputize local officers to assist with federal immigration enforcement. These arrangements blur the line between civil immigration matters and local policing.
3. Administrative Warrants
Unlike criminal arrests, ICE often acts based on administrative warrants, which are:
Signed by ICE officers, not judges
Used to detain people without judicial oversight
Routinely relied on to initiate removal proceedings
This means that longtime residents, parents, spouses, and workers—including those with no criminal history—can be detained and placed in deportation proceedings without ever seeing a judge first.
What Are the Consequences of ICE Detention and Deportation?
The impact of these enforcement practices can be devastating.
Individuals have been deported to countries like El Salvador, where they face imprisonment in CECOT, a high-security detention system internationally condemned for its abusive conditions.
Families in Nebraska are separated, sometimes without warning, and with limited legal recourse.
Immigrants are denied due process, including the right to fair hearings, legal counsel, and judicial review.
This isn’t hypothetical. It’s happening right now, to real people in our state.
The Myth: “If You Haven’t Done Anything Wrong, You Have Nothing to Fear”
This idea is dangerous—and inaccurate.
ICE’s enforcement actions do not just focus on individuals with criminal convictions. Many people detained in Nebraska have:
No criminal record
U.S. citizen children or spouses
Been living and working in Nebraska for years
The immigration system does not offer the same legal protections as the criminal system. And even those with lawful immigration status can be targeted in error.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Is Approached by ICE
Understanding your rights is critical—especially in fast-moving immigration cases. Here’s what to remember:
You Have the Right to:
Remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about your status.
Refuse entry to your home unless ICE presents a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge.
Speak with an attorney before answering any questions.
Refuse consent to searches of your home, car, or person unless required by law.
If ICE approaches you at home, ask them to slide any warrant under the door. Check carefully—if it’s not signed by a federal judge, you are not required to let them in.
If You Are Facing ICE Detention or Deportation in Nebraska
Do not wait. Immigration cases move quickly, and early legal help can change the outcome.
Contact an experienced immigration attorney immediately
Avoid signing documents without legal advice
Let trusted friends or family know your location and immigration documents
Keep an emergency plan in place, especially if you have children or dependents
Call or text 402-259-0059 or Email zach@zandersonlaw.com.
Whether you’re navigating a new ICE encounter or seeking guidance after detention, I can help you understand your options and assert your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ICE need a warrant to arrest someone in Nebraska?
No—not in the traditional sense. ICE often uses administrative warrants, which are not signed by judges. These do not authorize entry into private homes but are still used to detain individuals in public spaces or through jail transfers.
What is an ICE detainer request?
It’s a request—not a legal order—for local law enforcement to hold someone after their release so ICE can take custody. Nebraska jails may choose to comply, but they are not required to under federal law.
Can ICE enter my home without a warrant?
No. ICE needs a judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter your home without your permission. If they don’t have one, you are not required to open the door.
What rights do I have during an ICE encounter in Nebraska?
You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to refuse entry to your home without a proper warrant. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
What if I or my family member is already in ICE custody?
Contact an immigration attorney immediately. The sooner you seek legal advice, the better your chances of protecting your rights and avoiding unnecessary detention or deportation.