Omaha school board and superintendent pledge support after ICE raids as community calls for rapid-response plan

Superintendent Matt Ray acknowledged community anxiety over recent immigration enforcement activity and said silence could be construed as indifference, telling the Board of Education that “If my lack of public comment has caused concern, I hear that.”

The board meeting on July 17 drew an extended public-comment section and repeated requests from parents, teachers and community advocates for specific district actions after what multiple speakers described as ICE raids in South Omaha. Commenters urged the district to adopt a districtwide rapid-response plan, provide staff training on immigrant-rights resources, and partner with local legal and advocacy groups to offer direct help to affected families.

Why it matters: Omaha Public Schools (OPS) is the largest district in Nebraska. Parents and educators told the board that recent enforcement actions have interrupted learning, increased absenteeism and caused trauma among students. Commenters said that clear policies and proactive communication could reduce fear and help students continue attending school.

At the meeting, community leaders and district staff…