SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man charged in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist was back in court Wednesday for an arraignment hearing.

Christopher Johnson, 23, plead not guilty to a charge of felony hit-and-run before&nbsp;Judge Eric Williams, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He will face a jury trial in October.

In August of 2024, police responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and an electric bicycle at 2400 N. Hoover in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders found 43-year-old Thomas Doyle of Wichita who was riding the bike unresponsive. Thomas was later pronounced deceased at the scene by Sedgwick County EMS.

Investigators determined Doyle was northbound on Hoover when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Johnsaon that then continued driving north.

On August 22, police arrested Johnson on felony allegations, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=751504">Sedgwick County booking records.</a>&nbsp; He bonded out of jail the following day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724409391079.png" alt="Johnson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man charged in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist was back in court Wednesday for an arraignment hearing.Christopher Johnson, 23, plead not guilty to a charge of felony hit-and-run before&nbsp;Judge Eric Williams, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He will face a jury trial in October.In August of 2024, police responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and an electric bicycle at 2400 N. Hoover in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders found 43-year-old Thomas Doyle of Wichita who was riding the bike unresponsive. Thomas was later pronounced deceased at the scene by Sedgwick County EMS.Investigators determined Doyle was northbound on Hoover when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Johnsaon that then continued driving north.On August 22, police arrested Johnson on felony allegations, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=751504">Sedgwick County booking records.</a>&nbsp; He bonded out of jail the following day.

Driver enters plea in fatal Kansas hit-and-run that killed bicyclist

There have been reports by the Sheriff's Office of subjects calling and advising people they have warrants for their arrest and telling them they cannot hang up until they make a payment or they will be arrested. 

They will not call and demand payments over the phone for warrants.&nbsp;

There have been reports by the Sheriff's Office of subjects calling and advising people they have warrants for their arrest and telling them they cannot hang up until they make a payment or they will be arrested. They will not call and demand payments over the phone for warrants.&nbsp;

Geary County Sheriff's Office issues a scam alert

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Democratic U.S. Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alex-padilla">Alex Padilla</a>&nbsp;on Thursday was forcefully removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s news conference in Los Angeles and handcuffed by officers as he tried to speak up about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-crackdown-us-protests-049a611d47d0fc7656731e4f4c714e93">immigration raids that have led to protests</a>&nbsp;in California and around the country.

Video shows a Secret Service agent on Noem’s security detail grabbing Padilla, who represents California, by his jacket and shoving him from the room as he tried to interrupt Noem’s news conference in Los Angeles.

“I’m Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” he shouted in a halting voice.

Scuffling with officers outside the room, he can be heard bellowing, “Hands off!” He is later seen on his knees and then pushed to the ground and handcuffed in a hallway, with several officers atop him.

The shocking scene of a U.S. senator being aggressively removed from a Cabinet secretary’s news conference prompted immediate outrage from his Democratic colleagues. Images and video of the scuffle ricocheted through the halls of Congress, where stunned lawmakers demanded an immediate investigation and characterized the episode as another in a line of mounting threats to democracy by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said what he saw “sickened my stomach.”

“We need immediate answers to what the hell went on,” the New York senator said from the Senate floor. “It’s despicable, it’s disgusting, it’s so un-American.”

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said Padilla “chose disrespectful political theater and interrupted a live news conference.” They claimed erroneously that Padilla did not identify himself and said Secret Service believed him to be an attacker.

“Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’ repeated commands,” the statement said, adding that “officers acted appropriately.”

Emerging afterward, Padilla said he was demanding answers about the Trump administration’s “increasingly extreme immigration enforcement actions” from Noem when he was removed. He said he and his colleagues had received little to no response to their questions in recent weeks, so he attended the briefing for more information.

“If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question … I can only imagine what they are doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers throughout the Los Angeles community, and throughout California and throughout the country,” he said.

Noem told Fox LA afterward that she had a “great” conversation with Padilla after the scuffle, but called his approach “something that I don’t think was appropriate at all.”

The fracas in Los Angeles came just days after Democratic U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lamonica-mciver-assault-charge-alina-habba-immigration-7b6a5b0fc8079a9efd0606ab68e3f02d">indicted</a>&nbsp;on federal charges alleging she assaulted and interfered with immigration officers outside a detention center in New Jersey while Newark’s mayor was being arrested after he tried to join a congressional oversight visit at the facility. Democrats have framed the charges as intimidation efforts by the Trump administration.

Padilla, the son of immigrants from Mexico, has been a harsh Trump critic and his mass deportations agenda. In a post on the social platform X, he said of recent federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, “Trump isn’t targeting criminals in his mass deportation agenda, he is terrorizing communities, breaking apart families and putting American citizens in harm’s way.”

Democratic senators quickly gathered in the Senate chamber denouncing the treatment of their colleague — a well-liked and respected senator — and urged Americans to understand what was happening.

“If this is how a United States senator can be treated, none of our constituents are safe,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., as colleagues gathered on the Senate floor to denounce the situation. “This is a test for the country.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said Trump is making this country “look more and more like a fascist state.”

“Will any Republican senator speak up for our democracy?” Warren pleaded.

Senate Republican leader John Thune said he wants to know the facts of the situation.

“Obviously we will have response,” said Thune, R-S.D., as he walked to his office at the U.S. Capitol. “But I want to know the facts, find out exactly what happened.”

Other Republicans had a more muted response, with some saying they had not yet seen the video.

The No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, said he was unaware of what happened but said Padilla should have been at work in Washington.

The stark incident comes as Congress faces increasing episodes of encroachment on its authority. As a coequal branch of the U.S. government, the Trump administration is exerting its executive powers in untested ways.

As part of their work in Congress, lawmakers are responsible for providing oversight of the administration, its agencies and actions.

Several senators and representatives have been exercising their oversight roles by surveying the treatment of immigrants and others being detained as part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation operation.

From the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said what happened to Padilla “was un-American” and those involved must be held accountable.

“This is not going to end until there is accountability and until the Trump administration changes its behavior,” he said.

Mascaro reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Seung Min Kim in Washington and Jaimie Ding contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749757787923.png" alt="Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem during her Los Angeles news conferece-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem during her Los Angeles news conferece-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Democratic U.S. Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alex-padilla">Alex Padilla</a>&nbsp;on Thursday was forcefully removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s news conference in Los Angeles and handcuffed by officers as he tried to speak up about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-crackdown-us-protests-049a611d47d0fc7656731e4f4c714e93">immigration raids that have led to protests</a>&nbsp;in California and around the country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749757448306.png" alt="Senator Padilla asshown the video provided by U.S. Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Senator Padilla asshown the video provided by U.S. Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>Video shows a Secret Service agent on Noem’s security detail grabbing Padilla, who represents California, by his jacket and shoving him from the room as he tried to interrupt Noem’s news conference in Los Angeles.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">During a news conference with DHS Secretary Noem, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) is removed from the room by force. <a href="https://t.co/vJryoWIVHi">pic.twitter.com/vJryoWIVHi</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1933244184581873693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Padilla pushing and shoving law enforcement officers to get his way back to the podium. Incredibly aggressive behavior from a sitting US Senator. No one knew who he was. <a href="https://t.co/yQ1GVVUF8d">https://t.co/yQ1GVVUF8d</a> <a href="https://t.co/80kBU9O8R3">pic.twitter.com/80kBU9O8R3</a>&mdash; Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) <a href="https://twitter.com/TriciaOhio/status/1933248954260746399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I’m Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” he shouted in a halting voice.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senator Alex Padilla is a good man and principled public servant. The brazen and aggressive manhandling of Senator Padilla by the Trump administration is a sickening disgrace. Anyone who assaulted the Senator should be held accountable. No one is above the law. <a href="https://t.co/s9pHXP5tRD">pic.twitter.com/s9pHXP5tRD</a>&mdash; Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJeffries/status/1933236767680840025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Scuffling with officers outside the room, he can be heard bellowing, “Hands off!” He is later seen on his knees and then pushed to the ground and handcuffed in a hallway, with several officers atop him.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">With regard to the incident in LA this afternoon, the Senator in question was not wearing a security pin and physically resisted law enforcement when confronted. Our FBI personnel acted completely appropriately while assisting Secret Service and we are grateful for their…&mdash; Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDDBongino/status/1933262131346223586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The shocking scene of a U.S. senator being aggressively removed from a Cabinet secretary’s news conference prompted immediate outrage from his Democratic colleagues. Images and video of the scuffle ricocheted through the halls of Congress, where stunned lawmakers demanded an immediate investigation and characterized the episode as another in a line of mounting threats to democracy by President Donald Trump’s administration.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenAlexPadilla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenAlexPadilla</a>: &quot;If this is how this administration responds to a Senator with a question. If this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a Senator with a question you can only imagine what they&#39;re doing to farmers, to cooks, to day laborers…&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4HQXylr1dh">pic.twitter.com/4HQXylr1dh</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1933251262935388646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said what he saw “sickened my stomach.”“We need immediate answers to what the hell went on,” the New York senator said from the Senate floor. “It’s despicable, it’s disgusting, it’s so un-American.”In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said Padilla “chose disrespectful political theater and interrupted a live news conference.” They claimed erroneously that Padilla did not identify himself and said Secret Service believed him to be an attacker.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Reporter: “Would you please address Senator Padilla’s interruption to your press conference… Will you be pressing charges from what we just witnessed here?” Secretary Kristi Noem: “I don’t even know the senator. He did not request a meeting or to speak with me. So when I leave… <a href="https://t.co/233FInB8NF">pic.twitter.com/233FInB8NF</a>&mdash; RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedWave_Press/status/1933229459676536930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>: &quot;It was wildly inappropriate. You don&#39;t charge a sitting cabinet secretary...A sitting Member of Congress should not act like that...that behavior at a minimum it rises to the level of a censure.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/FzL1z4WmNi">pic.twitter.com/FzL1z4WmNi</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1933262191429292537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After he interrupted our press conference with law enforcement, I met with Senator Padilla for 15 minutes. We probably disagree on 90% of the topics but we agreed to exchanged phone numbers and we will continue to talk—that is the way it should be in this country. I wish he… <a href="https://t.co/WdDs26jyCY">pic.twitter.com/WdDs26jyCY</a>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1933267265849278591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’ repeated commands,” the statement said, adding that “officers acted appropriately.”Emerging afterward, Padilla said he was demanding answers about the Trump administration’s “increasingly extreme immigration enforcement actions” from Noem when he was removed. He said he and his colleagues had received little to no response to their questions in recent weeks, so he attended the briefing for more information.“If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question … I can only imagine what they are doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers throughout the Los Angeles community, and throughout California and throughout the country,” he said.Noem told Fox LA afterward that she had a “great” conversation with Padilla after the scuffle, but called his approach “something that I don’t think was appropriate at all.”The fracas in Los Angeles came just days after Democratic U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lamonica-mciver-assault-charge-alina-habba-immigration-7b6a5b0fc8079a9efd0606ab68e3f02d">indicted</a>&nbsp;on federal charges alleging she assaulted and interfered with immigration officers outside a detention center in New Jersey while Newark’s mayor was being arrested after he tried to join a congressional oversight visit at the facility. Democrats have framed the charges as intimidation efforts by the Trump administration.Padilla, the son of immigrants from Mexico, has been a harsh Trump critic and his mass deportations agenda. In a post on the social platform X, he said of recent federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, “Trump isn’t targeting criminals in his mass deportation agenda, he is terrorizing communities, breaking apart families and putting American citizens in harm’s way.”Democratic senators quickly gathered in the Senate chamber denouncing the treatment of their colleague — a well-liked and respected senator — and urged Americans to understand what was happening.“If this is how a United States senator can be treated, none of our constituents are safe,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., as colleagues gathered on the Senate floor to denounce the situation. “This is a test for the country.”Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said Trump is making this country “look more and more like a fascist state.”“Will any Republican senator speak up for our democracy?” Warren pleaded.Senate Republican leader John Thune said he wants to know the facts of the situation.“Obviously we will have response,” said Thune, R-S.D., as he walked to his office at the U.S. Capitol. “But I want to know the facts, find out exactly what happened.”Other Republicans had a more muted response, with some saying they had not yet seen the video.The No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, said he was unaware of what happened but said Padilla should have been at work in Washington.The stark incident comes as Congress faces increasing episodes of encroachment on its authority. As a coequal branch of the U.S. government, the Trump administration is exerting its executive powers in untested ways.As part of their work in Congress, lawmakers are responsible for providing oversight of the administration, its agencies and actions.Several senators and representatives have been exercising their oversight roles by surveying the treatment of immigrants and others being detained as part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation operation.From the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said what happened to Padilla “was un-American” and those involved must be held accountable.“This is not going to end until there is accountability and until the Trump administration changes its behavior,” he said.___Mascaro reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Seung Min Kim in Washington and Jaimie Ding contributed to this report.

🎥U.S. Senator forcibly removed from Homeland Security news conference

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/"></a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — State troopers are on standby in Kansas as demonstrations against federal immigration raids crop up around the country following an increased military presence in response to protests in Los Angeles.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is aware of Kansas City-area protests this week, said April McCollum, a spokeswoman for the agency.

Protests in LA began Friday, mostly in downtown and central parts of the city, in opposition to targeted, sweeping raids from federal immigration officials that result in the arrest and detention of immigrants&nbsp;lacking permanent legal status. The demonstrations escalated once President Donald Trump ordered thousands of members of the California National Guard to the city’s streets, against the wishes of state leaders. Protesters in dozens of other cities joined their LA counterparts Tuesday.

Col. Erik Smith, superintendent of the state highway patrol, told legislators Tuesday that a protest similar to those in LA was planned in the Johnson County area, but the agency did not disclose specifics when asked. The only report of a protest in the area Tuesday occurred in Kansas City, Missouri’s downtown and Westside, drawing hundreds of attendees, according to reporting from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article308332575.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star</a>.

A slate of more than 1,800 protests are scheduled across the nation for Saturday. More than a dozen of them are set to occur in Kansas cities, from Garden City to Hiawatha to Arkansas City to the Kansas City area.

“We encourage those involved to maintain civility while exercising their First Amendment rights,” McCollum said.

The agency’s mobile field force is prepared to assist local law enforcement during all incidents of “civil unrest,” Smith said.

The force is&nbsp;“a specially trained and equipped unit composed of Troopers from across the state that can be deployed to support local law enforcement agencies in the event of civil disorder, natural disasters, and other public safety emergencies,” McCollum said.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation director Tony Mattivi told lawmakers Tuesday at a Senate Committee on Government Efficiency hearing that state agents are not currently trained to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials with raids and arrests in Kansas.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, asked Mattivi during the hearing why federal agents aren’t responsive to one-off local arrests.

“ICE, right now, is just overwhelmed,” Mattivi said. “They’re focused on busloads at a time.”

State and local officials don’t have the authority to investigate federal immigration violations, but Kansas, was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/154/1292" target="_blank">the second state</a>&nbsp;in the country to agree with the Trump administration to exercise 287(g) authority, which refers to section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Naturalization Act. Once agents are trained, they will be able to make those one-off arrests and fill the gaps federal immigration officials leave behind.

Eventually, Mattivi said, he would like to examine the 48,000 people who are listed as a sex offender, drug offender or violent offender in Kansas and determine whether any of those people are in the country without permanent legal status.

As chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Gov. Laura Kelly, along with most of the rest of the country’s Democratic governors, condemned Trump’s decision to deploy a state’s National Guard as “an alarming abuse of power” and “ineffective and dangerous.”

“Further, threatening to send the U.S. Marines into American neighborhoods undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement,” the governors said Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/statement-from-democratic-governors-on-donald-trumps-use-of-californias-national-guard/" target="_blank">joint statement</a>.

The Trump administration deployed around 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to L.A. from a nearby base to “restore order,” defense secretary Pete Hegseth said in a social media&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecDef/status/1932202105361612994" target="_blank">post</a>.

Trump called for California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s arrest after Newsom expressed his disapproval of Trump’s actions. Newsom sued the Trump administration, alleging the president’s takeover of the state’s National Guard was illegal. Governors typically hold the power to deploy the guard.

The Democratic governors said they stand with Newsom, “who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation.”

Kansas Republicans rebutted Democrats’ remarks with condemnations of their own.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DanHawkinsKS/status/1932474561699749990" target="_blank">series of social media posts</a>, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, who is also a Republican candidate for state insurance commissioner, applauded Trump’s actions.

He said he was shocked by the Democratic governors’ statement.

“It’s indefensible that Governor Kelly and other Democrat Governors would seemingly side with the rioters over law and order. Their Trump Derangement Syndrome truly knows no bounds,” Hawkins wrote.

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, who is widely expected to run for governor, criticized Kelly in a statement.

“Laura Kelly is slow to condemn attacks on law enforcement, but quick to side with Gavin Newsom and rioters waving foreign flags as they try to burn down an American community. It is shameful,” he said.

Conservatives in opposition to the protests have frequently used rhetoric that depicts L.A. in flames or in complete disarray. The protests have been confined to a few areas of the city, mostly around local and federal government buildings. Misinformation and doctored or fabricated photos have circulated.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, who is a 2026 Republican candidate for governor,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ScottSchwabKS/status/1931929273180225614" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on the social media platform X in response to the statement from the Democratic governors: “This is wrong.”

In a separate&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ScottSchwabKS/status/1931565318691832308" target="_blank">post</a>, Schwab said protesters in California were “endangering” law enforcement “because they embrace disorder and crime over civility.”

He added: “Our founders are rolling in their graves.”

Protests in 15 cities in Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri, fall under the banner of No Kings Day, a collection of anti-Trump protests. Saturday is also Flag Day.

Ahead of the protest in Topeka at the Statehouse, organizers with the Kansas chapter of 50501 emphasized in a statement its desire for a peaceful demonstration.

“We are committed to the safety of every protester and are exploring unforeseen and uncontrollable challenges and how to respond to them,” the statement said. “We are continuing to plan for a safe gathering.”

Activists are chartering buses and establishing carpools to Topeka from Abilene, Junction City, Manhattan, Franklin County, Lawrence and the Kansas City, Kansas, area.

Ahead of Wichita’s rally, organizers with Defend Democracy ICT said the protest date is symbolic, “aligning with Flag Day, President Trump’s birthday, and a controversial military parade in Washington, D.C.”

“This is a stand against authoritarianism and the growing disregard for democratic norms,” organizers said in a statement. “We are here to remind our leaders that power belongs with the people — not kings, not billionaires, not dictators.”

Protests are scheduled to take place in the following cities, according to the No Kings online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/" target="_blank">tracker</a>: Arkansas City, Emporia, Garden City, Great Bend, Hiawatha, Hutchinson,&nbsp; Lawrence, Lenexa, Manhattan, Ottawa, Overland Park, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, Wichita and Kansas City, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749732670793.jpeg" alt=" Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/"></a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — State troopers are on standby in Kansas as demonstrations against federal immigration raids crop up around the country following an increased military presence in response to protests in Los Angeles.The Kansas Highway Patrol is aware of Kansas City-area protests this week, said April McCollum, a spokeswoman for the agency.Protests in LA began Friday, mostly in downtown and central parts of the city, in opposition to targeted, sweeping raids from federal immigration officials that result in the arrest and detention of immigrants&nbsp;lacking permanent legal status. The demonstrations escalated once President Donald Trump ordered thousands of members of the California National Guard to the city’s streets, against the wishes of state leaders. Protesters in dozens of other cities joined their LA counterparts Tuesday.Col. Erik Smith, superintendent of the state highway patrol, told legislators Tuesday that a protest similar to those in LA was planned in the Johnson County area, but the agency did not disclose specifics when asked. The only report of a protest in the area Tuesday occurred in Kansas City, Missouri’s downtown and Westside, drawing hundreds of attendees, according to reporting from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article308332575.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star</a>.A slate of more than 1,800 protests are scheduled across the nation for Saturday. More than a dozen of them are set to occur in Kansas cities, from Garden City to Hiawatha to Arkansas City to the Kansas City area.“We encourage those involved to maintain civility while exercising their First Amendment rights,” McCollum said.The agency’s mobile field force is prepared to assist local law enforcement during all incidents of “civil unrest,” Smith said.The force is&nbsp;“a specially trained and equipped unit composed of Troopers from across the state that can be deployed to support local law enforcement agencies in the event of civil disorder, natural disasters, and other public safety emergencies,” McCollum said.Kansas Bureau of Investigation director Tony Mattivi told lawmakers Tuesday at a Senate Committee on Government Efficiency hearing that state agents are not currently trained to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials with raids and arrests in Kansas.Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, asked Mattivi during the hearing why federal agents aren’t responsive to one-off local arrests.“ICE, right now, is just overwhelmed,” Mattivi said. “They’re focused on busloads at a time.”State and local officials don’t have the authority to investigate federal immigration violations, but Kansas, was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/154/1292" target="_blank">the second state</a>&nbsp;in the country to agree with the Trump administration to exercise 287(g) authority, which refers to section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Naturalization Act. Once agents are trained, they will be able to make those one-off arrests and fill the gaps federal immigration officials leave behind.Eventually, Mattivi said, he would like to examine the 48,000 people who are listed as a sex offender, drug offender or violent offender in Kansas and determine whether any of those people are in the country without permanent legal status.<h2>Politicians sound off</h2>As chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Gov. Laura Kelly, along with most of the rest of the country’s Democratic governors, condemned Trump’s decision to deploy a state’s National Guard as “an alarming abuse of power” and “ineffective and dangerous.”“Further, threatening to send the U.S. Marines into American neighborhoods undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement,” the governors said Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/statement-from-democratic-governors-on-donald-trumps-use-of-californias-national-guard/" target="_blank">joint statement</a>.The Trump administration deployed around 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to L.A. from a nearby base to “restore order,” defense secretary Pete Hegseth said in a social media&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecDef/status/1932202105361612994" target="_blank">post</a>.Trump called for California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s arrest after Newsom expressed his disapproval of Trump’s actions. Newsom sued the Trump administration, alleging the president’s takeover of the state’s National Guard was illegal. Governors typically hold the power to deploy the guard.The Democratic governors said they stand with Newsom, “who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation.”Kansas Republicans rebutted Democrats’ remarks with condemnations of their own.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DanHawkinsKS/status/1932474561699749990" target="_blank">series of social media posts</a>, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, who is also a Republican candidate for state insurance commissioner, applauded Trump’s actions.He said he was shocked by the Democratic governors’ statement.“It’s indefensible that Governor Kelly and other Democrat Governors would seemingly side with the rioters over law and order. Their Trump Derangement Syndrome truly knows no bounds,” Hawkins wrote.Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, who is widely expected to run for governor, criticized Kelly in a statement.“Laura Kelly is slow to condemn attacks on law enforcement, but quick to side with Gavin Newsom and rioters waving foreign flags as they try to burn down an American community. It is shameful,” he said.Conservatives in opposition to the protests have frequently used rhetoric that depicts L.A. in flames or in complete disarray. The protests have been confined to a few areas of the city, mostly around local and federal government buildings. Misinformation and doctored or fabricated photos have circulated.Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, who is a 2026 Republican candidate for governor,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ScottSchwabKS/status/1931929273180225614" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on the social media platform X in response to the statement from the Democratic governors: “This is wrong.”In a separate&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ScottSchwabKS/status/1931565318691832308" target="_blank">post</a>, Schwab said protesters in California were “endangering” law enforcement “because they embrace disorder and crime over civility.”He added: “Our founders are rolling in their graves.”<h2>Saturday protests</h2>Protests in 15 cities in Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri, fall under the banner of No Kings Day, a collection of anti-Trump protests. Saturday is also Flag Day.Ahead of the protest in Topeka at the Statehouse, organizers with the Kansas chapter of 50501 emphasized in a statement its desire for a peaceful demonstration.“We are committed to the safety of every protester and are exploring unforeseen and uncontrollable challenges and how to respond to them,” the statement said. “We are continuing to plan for a safe gathering.”Activists are chartering buses and establishing carpools to Topeka from Abilene, Junction City, Manhattan, Franklin County, Lawrence and the Kansas City, Kansas, area.Ahead of Wichita’s rally, organizers with Defend Democracy ICT said the protest date is symbolic, “aligning with Flag Day, President Trump’s birthday, and a controversial military parade in Washington, D.C.”“This is a stand against authoritarianism and the growing disregard for democratic norms,” organizers said in a statement. “We are here to remind our leaders that power belongs with the people — not kings, not billionaires, not dictators.”Protests are scheduled to take place in the following cities, according to the No Kings online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/" target="_blank">tracker</a>: Arkansas City, Emporia, Garden City, Great Bend, Hiawatha, Hutchinson,&nbsp; Lawrence, Lenexa, Manhattan, Ottawa, Overland Park, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, Wichita and Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas troopers on standby for protests, ahead of nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Juoniah McGee, Failure to appear, arrested 06/11

Kameron Thomas, Failure to appear, arrested 06/11

Maya Lance, Failure to appear, arrested 06/11

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749740148248.jpeg" alt="Traveunta Wilbourn, Outside warrant, arrested 06/11" />
 <figcaption>Traveunta Wilbourn, Outside warrant, arrested 06/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749740222274.jpeg" alt="Brenda Vanhoesen, Failure to appear, arrested 06/11" />
 <figcaption>Brenda Vanhoesen, Failure to appear, arrested 06/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749740304109.jpeg" alt="Haisha Raymond, Resisting arrest; Criminal trespass, arrested 06/11" />
 <figcaption>Haisha Raymond, Resisting arrest; Criminal trespass, arrested 06/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749740352952.jpeg" alt="Ajit Bains, Probation violation, arrested 06/12" />
 <figcaption>Ajit Bains, Probation violation, arrested 06/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749740397331.jpeg" alt="Melvin Sanchez Portillo, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Transporting an open container of alcohol; DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/12" />
 <figcaption>Melvin Sanchez Portillo, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Transporting an open container of alcohol; DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/12</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Juoniah McGee, Failure to appear, arrested 06/11Kameron Thomas, Failure to appear, arrested 06/11Maya Lance, Failure to appear, arrested 06/11Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos June 12

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged sex crime and have made an arrest.

Just after 5p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for sexual battery near the intersection of Browning Avenue and Lori Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 17-year-old woman was listed as a victim and a 48-year-old man listed as the suspect. 

Just before 6p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 48-year-old Shawn Sinnott, of Manhattan on requested charges of sexual battery. 

Sinnott is being held on a bond of $50,000, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged sex crime and have made an arrest.Just after 5p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for sexual battery near the intersection of Browning Avenue and Lori Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 17-year-old woman was listed as a victim and a 48-year-old man listed as the suspect. Just before 6p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 48-year-old Shawn Sinnott, of Manhattan on requested charges of sexual battery. Sinnott is being held on a bond of $50,000, according to the RCPD.

Manhattan man accused of sex crime involving 17-year-old

President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security is advertising a new tip line to report illegal aliens in the midst of the immigration raids across the country.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department has made nearly 400 arrests and detentions since Saturday in connection to immigration protests.

The vast majority arrests have been for failing to leave the area in defiance of requests from law enforcement, according to police. There have been a handful of more serious charges including for assault against police officers and for possession of a Molotov cocktail and a gun.

Demonstrators critical of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency returned to lower Manhattan on Wednesday evening, a day after dozens of protesters were detained.

Groups of people chanting and holding anti-ICE signs once again gathered around the area of Foley Square. New York City police did not immediately have information about possible arrests.

Police detained more than 80 people during protests Tuesday evening into early Wednesday.

More than two dozen officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety told a small group of protestors that the Alamo in San Antonio, where a demonstration was planned to take place, was closed.

Dozens of people gathered hundreds of feet outside of the Alamo holding signs in support of immigrants and in opposition to President Trump.

“I think the National Guard made a lot of people afraid,” Pinky Ochoa, 21, said at City Hall, where another protest was scheduled to take place.

“I think a lot of people fear what’s going to happen,” Pedro Ruiz, 53, said about the mostly quiet downtown.

Officers with the Public Safety Department said the Texas National Guard was present at a protest in downtown San Antonio. Members were not seen standing with law enforcement in front of a small crowd of demonstrators.

LA top prosecutor expects to file dozens of criminal cases against peaceful protest disruptors

District Attorney Nathan Hochman highlighted five cases brought in recent days, with charges including assault, grand theft and felony vandalism.

In one case, suspects allegedly shot fireworks at police officers. Two other defendants are accused of driving their motorcycles into a line of officers.

Hochman said investigators were reviewing video from demonstrations that turned violent over the weekend and more charges are pending.

He said people are encouraged to engage in peaceful demonstration, “but the moment they engage in illegal acts, they are no longer legitimate First Amendment protestors. They are criminals.”

President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security is advertising a new tip line to report illegal aliens in the midst of the immigration raids across the country.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhomelandsecurity%2Fposts%2Fpfbid037zrZLtSC7CdzCV2bbb54dpKXeDpdXfAGqia5g4NkCUFzHyfGMDbig1NvLJAgPp44l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="615" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department has made nearly 400 arrests and detentions since Saturday in connection to immigration protests.The vast majority arrests have been for failing to leave the area in defiance of requests from law enforcement, according to police. There have been a handful of more serious charges including for assault against police officers and for possession of a Molotov cocktail and a gun.Here's the latest:<h2>Demonstrators return to lower Manhattan</h2>Demonstrators critical of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency returned to lower Manhattan on Wednesday evening, a day after dozens of protesters were detained.Groups of people chanting and holding anti-ICE signs once again gathered around the area of Foley Square. New York City police did not immediately have information about possible arrests.Police detained more than 80 people during protests Tuesday evening into early Wednesday.<h2>Protesters gather in San Antonio</h2>More than two dozen officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety told a small group of protestors that the Alamo in San Antonio, where a demonstration was planned to take place, was closed.Dozens of people gathered hundreds of feet outside of the Alamo holding signs in support of immigrants and in opposition to President Trump.“I think the National Guard made a lot of people afraid,” Pinky Ochoa, 21, said at City Hall, where another protest was scheduled to take place.“I think a lot of people fear what’s going to happen,” Pedro Ruiz, 53, said about the mostly quiet downtown.Officers with the Public Safety Department said the Texas National Guard was present at a protest in downtown San Antonio. Members were not seen standing with law enforcement in front of a small crowd of demonstrators.<h2>LA top prosecutor expects to file dozens of criminal cases against peaceful protest disruptors</h2>District Attorney Nathan Hochman highlighted five cases brought in recent days, with charges including assault, grand theft and felony vandalism.In one case, suspects allegedly shot fireworks at police officers. Two other defendants are accused of driving their motorcycles into a line of officers.Hochman said investigators were reviewing video from demonstrations that turned violent over the weekend and more charges are pending.He said people are encouraged to engage in peaceful demonstration, “but the moment they engage in illegal acts, they are no longer legitimate First Amendment protestors. They are criminals.”

U.S. Homeland Security promotes new tip line

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Four people were arrested following a man's false report of his girlfriend being kidnapped in Hays.

Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers responded to a reported kidnapping in progress about 2:40 a.m. June 5 in the parking lot of the Econo Lodge at 3503 Vine St.

42-year-old Douglas Lee Carson told police his girlfriend was allegedly with another man, 39-year-old Ryan Douglas Howser of Wichita, and was unable to leave, Greenwood said.

After the woman called Carson claiming she had been kidnapped, Carson, along with 47-year-old Joseph Oneil Torres and 32-year-old Cassandra Leigh Kinish of Manhattan, drove to Hays. Carson confronted Howser. Carson allegedly pointed an AR-15 at Howser, Greenwood said.

Greenwood said officers arrived soon after, spotted a gold Chevy Trailblazer, and identified the suspect, Howser, who allegedly fled on foot toward the Econo Lodge.

Greenwood said Howser ran into the hotel to evade officers and tried to escape down a laundry chute before being arrested.

As officers pursued Howser, they spoke with Carson and uncovered multiple alleged crimes, leading to further arrests.

Carson was arrested on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Torress was arrested on requested charges of possession of opiates, drug paraphernalia and criminal use of weapons.

Kinish was arrested on requested charges of possession of opiates and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749674374538.png" alt="Carson photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Carson photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFour people were arrested following a man's false report of his girlfriend being kidnapped in Hays.Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers responded to a reported kidnapping in progress about 2:40 a.m. June 5 in the parking lot of the Econo Lodge at 3503 Vine St.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749674315673.png" alt="Howser photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Howser photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>42-year-old Douglas Lee Carson told police his girlfriend was allegedly with another man, 39-year-old Ryan Douglas Howser of Wichita, and was unable to leave, Greenwood said.After the woman called Carson claiming she had been kidnapped, Carson, along with 47-year-old Joseph Oneil Torres and 32-year-old Cassandra Leigh Kinish of Manhattan, drove to Hays. Carson confronted Howser. Carson allegedly pointed an AR-15 at Howser, Greenwood said.Greenwood said officers arrived soon after, spotted a gold Chevy Trailblazer, and identified the suspect, Howser, who allegedly fled on foot toward the Econo Lodge.Greenwood said Howser ran into the hotel to evade officers and tried to escape down a laundry chute before being arrested.As officers pursued Howser, they spoke with Carson and uncovered multiple alleged crimes, leading to further arrests.Carson was arrested on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.Torress was arrested on requested charges of possession of opiates, drug paraphernalia and criminal use of weapons.Kinish was arrested on requested charges of possession of opiates and drug paraphernalia.

Kan. suspect tried to escape police down hotel laundry chute

As many as 100 people could have been affected, owner and witnesses say

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">Aaron Sanderford</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fortenberry-seeks-two-month-delay-of-re-trial-to-wait-for-trump-justice-department/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — As many as 100 workers suspected of being in the country illegally were ensnared, witnesses said, in what immigration officials said was its largest Nebraska enforcement operation since President Donald Trump took office.

Outside of Glenn Valley Foods, community advocates, including a pastor, said they had seen people being removed from the plant. Some were placed in three 15-passenger vans. Others were loaded onto a bus with boarded up windows and a law enforcement escort.

Witnesses who were afraid to give their names told a reporter they saw family members of workers arrive and try to bring documentation to their loved ones. One didn’t stop when asked to by local officers.

That resulted in a tense moment when a handful of people approached a law enforcement vehicle and some loudly expressed frustration with the scope and scale of the operation. At least two people tried to block the movement of the vehicle and were moved, video footage confirmed.

Several observers said Glenn Valley was approached by ICE agents Tuesday morning and allowed agents inside the plant.

Gary Rohwer, owner and CEO of Glenn Valley Foods, told Omaha’s WOWT that federal investigators told him 97 employees had false IDs. He said the company had used e-Verify.

Immigration authorities confirmed to a local member of Congress that 75 to 80 people had been detained. Others were being interviewed about related law enforcement concerns.

“They’re good, hardworking, honest,” he said. “They’re part of our family.”

Community leaders said workers have told them they were separating people in the plant they could prove were citizens and those that they couldn’t.

The operations had several local elected Latino leaders visiting various work sites, some South Omaha businesses shutting their doors for the time being and area residents checking in with each other in a frenzy.

Latino leaders tracking the situation, posting about it on social media and speaking with workers said they had heard of up to a half-dozen worksites where federal immigration agents may have visited.

A federal official described the raid at Glenn Valley Foods as likely the largest in Nebraska since Trump took office after promising a massive crackdown on illegal immigration.

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and federal law enforcement partners, executed a federal search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods, today, based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States,” said a statement from Tanya Roman, ICE spokesperson.

Roman, in a follow-up call with the Examiner, clarified that Glenn Valley was the only Omaha-area operation federal immigration agents carried out Tuesday and that it attempted no others and made no individual arrests at other businesses.

Community leaders began gathering early Tuesday at a South Omaha location, after having heard late Monday of possible enforcement activities ahead.

Roger Garcia, chairman of the Douglas County board, announced during a county board meeting Tuesday morning that he had to leave because his community was “being terrorized.”

“I have to depart,” he said. “As we speak, there’s word of at least two raids happening at this moment, so I have to go. I have to try and help.”

He was among leaders posting in English and Spanish on social media to keep the community informed. Rumors swirled for much of the day about potentially targeted businesses beyond Glenn Valley Foods, including LALA’s and JBS, processing and production plants in the eastern part of the city. A JBS official told the Nebraska Examiner that no raid or immigration agents targeted JBS. LALA officials said they were not targeted and received no visit either.

Later, Garcia, gathering with others on South 24th Street, said he found no redeeming value in the federal action.

“None of this is doing anything to positively help society, but rather is doing the opposite,” he said. “These were individuals that were literally at work, trying to provide for their families, people contributing to our local economy.”

He said a team of community representatives is working to get current information, including what’s next for those detained.&nbsp;

He said at least one trusted source said the source’s mom was taken to Iowa and offered the option to voluntarily deport or to fight the deportation through legal means.&nbsp;He said various community members have stepped up to offer legal services.&nbsp;

Garcia said he’s hearing trepidation that another Nebraska town could be next.&nbsp;

State Sens. Dunixi Guereca and Margo Juarez of South Omaha gathered mid-morning with a half dozen other community representatives on South 24th Street. Guereca pointed at the quiet business corridor, the heart of Nebraska’s largest Latino business district, and said: “This is fear.”

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., issued a statement Tuesday saying he understood the “concerns” for people’s loved ones and personal safety and said he had “full confidence and expectations” that ICE would operate legally and treat people respectfully. He said his office supports “the rule of law.”

The statement said his office had been told the investigation and warrant being served at the plant concerned “stolen identities.”

Local law enforcement agencies said they were not participating in the federal raids, but that they are providing agents and the public with traffic enforcement around targeted locations, as needed.

”The Department of Homeland Security recently notified OPD of the operations and OPD officers responded to the areas for traffic control,” Omaha Police Lt. Neal Bonacci said in a statement.

Guereca said he was disappointed in the way federal agents carried out the operation, which he said created unnecessary fear for families, customers and merchants.

“Businesses closed their doors. Not only are folks not going to work, they’re not consuming,” he said.&nbsp;

Yesenia Peck, who heads the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also came to the 24th Street district to check on businesses. As she approached one store, a customer was attempting to open the door, but it was locked.

She said she knew of at least one foreign consulate office based in Omaha, the Guatemalan Consulate, that was sending a representative to an affected worksite.

“Everybody is scared right now. Businesses are closing,” she said. “This is not life…”

Peck said one merchant asked her, “How are we going to pay the bills? Pay rent?”

Martha Barrera, who owns a salon on 24th Street, said her workers have continued to accept customers, but she said people are in panic mode about what is happening outside the doors. She said she is happy that community leaders have offered information on rights and how to respond if federal agents were to come to her business or any others.&nbsp;

She and others on the business corridor said their stores rely on Latino families and are worried about future commerce.

Peck said she understands there are laws and people must abide by those.

“But this is not the way it should be done,” she said. “Not cruelly.”

“What is happening right now is unbelievable. I’ve seen this kind of thing in other countries,” she said, including her homeland of Peru. “It’s just not the right way.”

Meanwhile in Lincoln, an impromptu protest with roughly 20 people marched near the State Capitol as a result of federal immigration enforcement.

Peaceful protests were developing elsewhere in Omaha, too, including an “Omaha Stands with Immigrants rally.”

Hundreds protested the federal immigration operation, lining both sides of L Street near 33rd at the dinner hours. Signs and chalked sidewalks offered sentiment: “Undocumented hands feed you.” “F— ICE.” “Keep families together” “Abolish ICE.”

An Omaha Tribal group led chants, crossing back and forth at crosslight. “No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state.”

A woman in purple plastic boots held a yellow “immigrants welcome here” sign and banged a gong, saying, “It’s the loudest thing I own.”

Others passed out “know your rights” information packets.&nbsp;There was no shortage of honks from passer by motorists.&nbsp;

Jaqueline Chino walked up to the chanting crowd and stood on a light pole base, with her handmade sign: “Families belong together.”

Asked by a reporter what brought her to the event, she said her dad was deported when she was 5 years old.

Her mom raised her family alone, as her dad is in Guerrero, Mexico.&nbsp;

“I know the pain,” she said. “Growing up without a father figure is very hard for a girl.”

Another gathering on South 24th Street drew about 25 people.

Said Anna Hernandez, an organizer: “Obviously we can’t do anything at the worksites. But we can show that this is our community and this is breaking up our families.”

She said people are reaching out to community members seeking ways to demonstrate support. “There are children who will be forever affected by this.”

Mayor John Ewing Jr., on his second official day in office, released a statement saying that his office had been alerted that some sort of immigration action would take place on Tuesday, though was not “privy to details.”

He noted that he had asked ICE for a heads-up courtesy on enforcement activities, following the ICE-led arrest over the weekend at a west Omaha restaurant that disturbed patrons and others as it circulated widely on social media.

“I am trying to get to the bottom of what happened today,” Ewing said in a statement. “We know that actions like these affect families. My administration is working with community groups to understand the scale of need.”

Ewing said he knows the ICE actions caused fear. “We do not want people to be so afraid they stop reporting crimes. Our Omaha Police Department will respond to 911 calls and not ask about legal status.”

He reiterated that the city was not in the business of immigration enforcement, and said it was the federal government leading that charge.

“Our Omaha police officers do not and will not seek individuals to check their legal status,” Ewing said. “OPD was on scene today to assist in traffic control and public safety in areas near their operations.”

Saul Lopez, of LULAC National, was headed with other community members to pass out information about worker rights at workplaces and said a concern was for parents who might be separated from children.

“We’re very worried right now about what’s going on with the families.”

A leader of an Omaha nonprofit that works with youths said Tuesday that the organization has been working to identify families whose working parent may have been detained and separated from their children.

So far, the organization’s leader said at least two kids in their care who are from two different families have a parent caught up in the operations. The organization was busy getting a hold of emergency contacts for the kids.

Also Tuesday, immigration advocates and community leaders had turned a South Omaha organization into a sort of information headquarters to better understand and coordinate legal, outreach and response activities.

Also among the elected officials gathered at the South Omaha hub was Yanira Garcia of the Omaha Regional Metropolitan Transit Board and Omaha City Councilman Ron Hug.

Examiner reporter Juan Salinas II contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749657037037.jpeg" alt=" Jaqueline Chino, protesting immigration enforcement actions in Omaha on Tuesday, said she wanted to “stand up for people – even if I have to stand alone on this pole.” (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Jaqueline Chino, protesting immigration enforcement actions in Omaha on Tuesday, said she wanted to “stand up for people – even if I have to stand alone on this pole.” (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>As many as 100 people could have been affected, owner and witnesses say</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">Aaron Sanderford</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fortenberry-seeks-two-month-delay-of-re-trial-to-wait-for-trump-justice-department/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — As many as 100 workers suspected of being in the country illegally were ensnared, witnesses said, in what immigration officials said was its largest Nebraska enforcement operation since President Donald Trump took office.Outside of Glenn Valley Foods, community advocates, including a pastor, said they had seen people being removed from the plant. Some were placed in three 15-passenger vans. Others were loaded onto a bus with boarded up windows and a law enforcement escort.Witnesses who were afraid to give their names told a reporter they saw family members of workers arrive and try to bring documentation to their loved ones. One didn’t stop when asked to by local officers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749657133004.png" alt="ederal immigration agents raided an Omaha food plant, Glenn Valley Foods, on Tuesday. Witnesses saw people placed into three vans and a bus. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>ederal immigration agents raided an Omaha food plant, Glenn Valley Foods, on Tuesday. Witnesses saw people placed into three vans and a bus. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>That resulted in a tense moment when a handful of people approached a law enforcement vehicle and some loudly expressed frustration with the scope and scale of the operation. At least two people tried to block the movement of the vehicle and were moved, video footage confirmed.<h2>Workers targeted</h2>Several observers said Glenn Valley was approached by ICE agents Tuesday morning and allowed agents inside the plant.Gary Rohwer, owner and CEO of Glenn Valley Foods, told Omaha’s WOWT that federal investigators told him 97 employees had false IDs. He said the company had used e-Verify.Immigration authorities confirmed to a local member of Congress that 75 to 80 people had been detained. Others were being interviewed about related law enforcement concerns.“They’re good, hardworking, honest,” he said. “They’re part of our family.”Community leaders said workers have told them they were separating people in the plant they could prove were citizens and those that they couldn’t.The operations had several local elected Latino leaders visiting various work sites, some South Omaha businesses shutting their doors for the time being and area residents checking in with each other in a frenzy.<h2>Community reacts to raid</h2>Latino leaders tracking the situation, posting about it on social media and speaking with workers said they had heard of up to a half-dozen worksites where federal immigration agents may have visited.A federal official described the raid at Glenn Valley Foods as likely the largest in Nebraska since Trump took office after promising a massive crackdown on illegal immigration.“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and federal law enforcement partners, executed a federal search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods, today, based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States,” said a statement from Tanya Roman, ICE spokesperson.She said the investigation is ongoing.Roman, in a follow-up call with the Examiner, clarified that Glenn Valley was the only Omaha-area operation federal immigration agents carried out Tuesday and that it attempted no others and made no individual arrests at other businesses.Community leaders began gathering early Tuesday at a South Omaha location, after having heard late Monday of possible enforcement activities ahead.Roger Garcia, chairman of the Douglas County board, announced during a county board meeting Tuesday morning that he had to leave because his community was “being terrorized.”“I have to depart,” he said. “As we speak, there’s word of at least two raids happening at this moment, so I have to go. I have to try and help.”<h2>Law enforcement fights rumors</h2>He was among leaders posting in English and Spanish on social media to keep the community informed. Rumors swirled for much of the day about potentially targeted businesses beyond Glenn Valley Foods, including LALA’s and JBS, processing and production plants in the eastern part of the city. A JBS official told the Nebraska Examiner that no raid or immigration agents targeted JBS. LALA officials said they were not targeted and received no visit either.Later, Garcia, gathering with others on South 24th Street, said he found no redeeming value in the federal action.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749657211817.png" alt="Yesenia Peck, who heads the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber, was checking on South Omaha merchants Tuesday in the wake of reports that immigration raids were unfolding. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Yesenia Peck, who heads the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber, was checking on South Omaha merchants Tuesday in the wake of reports that immigration raids were unfolding. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>“None of this is doing anything to positively help society, but rather is doing the opposite,” he said. “These were individuals that were literally at work, trying to provide for their families, people contributing to our local economy.”He said a team of community representatives is working to get current information, including what’s next for those detained.&nbsp;He said at least one trusted source said the source’s mom was taken to Iowa and offered the option to voluntarily deport or to fight the deportation through legal means.&nbsp;He said various community members have stepped up to offer legal services.&nbsp;Garcia said he’s hearing trepidation that another Nebraska town could be next.&nbsp;State Sens. Dunixi Guereca and Margo Juarez of South Omaha gathered mid-morning with a half dozen other community representatives on South 24th Street. Guereca pointed at the quiet business corridor, the heart of Nebraska’s largest Latino business district, and said: “This is fear.”U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., issued a statement Tuesday saying he understood the “concerns” for people’s loved ones and personal safety and said he had “full confidence and expectations” that ICE would operate legally and treat people respectfully. He said his office supports “the rule of law.”The statement said his office had been told the investigation and warrant being served at the plant concerned “stolen identities.”Local law enforcement agencies said they were not participating in the federal raids, but that they are providing agents and the public with traffic enforcement around targeted locations, as needed.”The Department of Homeland Security recently notified OPD of the operations and OPD officers responded to the areas for traffic control,” Omaha Police Lt. Neal Bonacci said in a statement.<h2>Business impacted</h2>Guereca said he was disappointed in the way federal agents carried out the operation, which he said created unnecessary fear for families, customers and merchants.“Businesses closed their doors. Not only are folks not going to work, they’re not consuming,” he said.&nbsp;Yesenia Peck, who heads the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also came to the 24th Street district to check on businesses. As she approached one store, a customer was attempting to open the door, but it was locked.She said she knew of at least one foreign consulate office based in Omaha, the Guatemalan Consulate, that was sending a representative to an affected worksite.“Everybody is scared right now. Businesses are closing,” she said. “This is not life…”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749657282067.png" alt="State Sen. Dunixi Guereca of South Omaha stands along South 24th Street with business owner Martha Barrera and discuss the federal immigration enforcement operation that had people and businesses talking on Tuesday. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Dunixi Guereca of South Omaha stands along South 24th Street with business owner Martha Barrera and discuss the federal immigration enforcement operation that had people and businesses talking on Tuesday. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Peck said one merchant asked her, “How are we going to pay the bills? Pay rent?”Martha Barrera, who owns a salon on 24th Street, said her workers have continued to accept customers, but she said people are in panic mode about what is happening outside the doors. She said she is happy that community leaders have offered information on rights and how to respond if federal agents were to come to her business or any others.&nbsp;She and others on the business corridor said their stores rely on Latino families and are worried about future commerce.Peck said she understands there are laws and people must abide by those.“But this is not the way it should be done,” she said. “Not cruelly.”“What is happening right now is unbelievable. I’ve seen this kind of thing in other countries,” she said, including her homeland of Peru. “It’s just not the right way.”<h2>Protests gather</h2>Meanwhile in Lincoln, an impromptu protest with roughly 20 people marched near the State Capitol as a result of federal immigration enforcement.Peaceful protests were developing elsewhere in Omaha, too, including an “Omaha Stands with Immigrants rally.”Hundreds protested the federal immigration operation, lining both sides of L Street near 33rd at the dinner hours. Signs and chalked sidewalks offered sentiment: “Undocumented hands feed you.” “F— ICE.” “Keep families together” “Abolish ICE.”An Omaha Tribal group led chants, crossing back and forth at crosslight. “No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state.”A woman in purple plastic boots held a yellow “immigrants welcome here” sign and banged a gong, saying, “It’s the loudest thing I own.”Others passed out “know your rights” information packets.&nbsp;There was no shortage of honks from passer by motorists.&nbsp;Jaqueline Chino walked up to the chanting crowd and stood on a light pole base, with her handmade sign: “Families belong together.”Asked by a reporter what brought her to the event, she said her dad was deported when she was 5 years old.Her mom raised her family alone, as her dad is in Guerrero, Mexico.&nbsp;“I know the pain,” she said. “Growing up without a father figure is very hard for a girl.”Another gathering on South 24th Street drew about 25 people.Said Anna Hernandez, an organizer: “Obviously we can’t do anything at the worksites. But we can show that this is our community and this is breaking up our families.”She said people are reaching out to community members seeking ways to demonstrate support. “There are children who will be forever affected by this.”<h2>Mayor, advocates weigh in</h2>Mayor John Ewing Jr., on his second official day in office, released a statement saying that his office had been alerted that some sort of immigration action would take place on Tuesday, though was not “privy to details.”He noted that he had asked ICE for a heads-up courtesy on enforcement activities, following the ICE-led arrest over the weekend at a west Omaha restaurant that disturbed patrons and others as it circulated widely on social media.“I am trying to get to the bottom of what happened today,” Ewing said in a statement. “We know that actions like these affect families. My administration is working with community groups to understand the scale of need.”Ewing said he knows the ICE actions caused fear. “We do not want people to be so afraid they stop reporting crimes. Our Omaha Police Department will respond to 911 calls and not ask about legal status.”He reiterated that the city was not in the business of immigration enforcement, and said it was the federal government leading that charge.“Our Omaha police officers do not and will not seek individuals to check their legal status,” Ewing said. “OPD was on scene today to assist in traffic control and public safety in areas near their operations.”Saul Lopez, of LULAC National, was headed with other community members to pass out information about worker rights at workplaces and said a concern was for parents who might be separated from children.“We’re very worried right now about what’s going on with the families.”A leader of an Omaha nonprofit that works with youths said Tuesday that the organization has been working to identify families whose working parent may have been detained and separated from their children.So far, the organization’s leader said at least two kids in their care who are from two different families have a parent caught up in the operations. The organization was busy getting a hold of emergency contacts for the kids.Also Tuesday, immigration advocates and community leaders had turned a South Omaha organization into a sort of information headquarters to better understand and coordinate legal, outreach and response activities.Also among the elected officials gathered at the South Omaha hub was Yanira Garcia of the Omaha Regional Metropolitan Transit Board and Omaha City Councilman Ron Hug.Examiner reporter Juan Salinas II contributed to this report.

Federal immigration raid hits Omaha plant

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of sex crimes is due back in court Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Savana King, 31, will appear in Judge William Wooley's courtroom for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On January 29, an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by her former softball coach Savanah King over several years, between 2021 and 2024, before she reached the age of consent, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Police arrested King on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; fondling, criminal sodomy with a child under the age of 14 and unlawful sexual relations, according to Sedgwick County arrest records. After spending a weekend in jail, King met the requirement of a $250,00 bond and was released from jail.

<a href="https://friendsathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savana-king/2824">King played softball for</a>&nbsp;Friends University, according to the school's website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739222315038.png" alt="King photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>King photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of sex crimes is due back in court Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Savana King, 31, will appear in Judge William Wooley's courtroom for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On January 29, an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by her former softball coach Savanah King over several years, between 2021 and 2024, before she reached the age of consent, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.Police arrested King on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; fondling, criminal sodomy with a child under the age of 14 and unlawful sexual relations, according to Sedgwick County arrest records. After spending a weekend in jail, King met the requirement of a $250,00 bond and was released from jail.<a href="https://friendsathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savana-king/2824">King played softball for</a>&nbsp;Friends University, according to the school's website.