At least one of them, IBP Inc. is now participating in an INS pilot program to verify workers' status. Since January 1997 the regional INS office had conducted 20 worksite raids. In January they targeted a liver-processing plant, in February a meatpacker, in April a foundry, in May a metallic industry. In July, the target was another meat packer that netted more than 80 illegal workers. The INS appears to be picking up the pace of work site enforcement actions in the Midwest.
Recent reports reflect an average of one raid per month in Iowa and Nebraska.
Illegal aliens have also been found to be involved in drug trafficking into Nebraska. In October 1996 a heroin smuggling operation from Nyarit, Mexico to Omaha was broken up. Nebraska is drawing increasing numbers of illegal aliens. In 1995 the INS apprehended 704 mostly Mexican illegal aliens in Nebraska, double the number a year earlier. Most were employed in non-union beef packing plants that have opened in recent years.