As union leader, Democrat-backed Senate candidate Dan Osborn helped alert ICE to claims of undocumented workers
Nebraska Senatorial Candidate Dan Osborn's 2021 Role in Immigration Allegations Raises Questions
As union leader Democrat backed Senate - Dan Osborn, an independent running for the Nebraska Senate with support from Democratic allies, has positioned himself as a pro-labor figure during his campaign. However, his 2021 remarks about immigration have sparked renewed scrutiny. The candidate, who previously led a union, became involved in a significant labor dispute at an Omaha Kellogg’s cereal plant, where allegations of replacing striking workers with undocumented immigrants emerged.
Union Leader's Past Involvement in Immigration Case
During a 77-day strike, Osborn and his union members raised concerns that Kellogg’s was employing unauthorized workers to fill positions vacated by striking employees. In a December 2021 interview on a pro-union podcast, he stated,
"Kellogg’s bringing in replacement workers, we have it on good authority that they’re replacing us with a good percentage of undocumented workers."
He added,
"We have been in contact with Homeland Security and ICE. We’ve made our claims. I hope they do the right thing and investigate our claims."
Despite these claims, Osborn provided no concrete evidence during the interview, and CNN could not independently confirm the allegations. While records show Kellogg’s used temporary replacements, there was no public documentation indicating the workers were undocumented. The company did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.
Clarification from Osborn's Campaign
Osborn’s campaign later clarified that he did not personally contact federal immigration authorities. Instead, the team explained, he reached out to the local sheriff’s department to learn how to report the allegations. The campaign stated that others within his organization then took the initiative to inform ICE and DHS "in their individual capacity." This distinction aims to separate Osborn’s public stance from the actions of his associates.
ICE’s spokesperson confirmed the agency received reports about the strike but declined to specify whether Osborn was involved. The official cited a policy of anonymity for those who file immigration-related tips. Shortly after the podcast appearance, the workers ratified a new contract, ending the labor dispute.
Political Tensions and Immigration Policy Stance
Osborn’s efforts to balance economic concerns with immigrant support have become central to his campaign. He advocates for a pathway to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents, emphasizing their importance to Nebraska’s labor market. At the same time, he has criticized Trump-era immigration tactics, arguing they harm businesses and lack humanity.
“I mentioned that it’s hurting businesses, but it’s also not humanly decent,” Osborn said on The Bulwark podcast in August 2025. “We’re seeing factories, get raided, meat cutters get raided. We’re seeing people not showing up to work at restaurants. Business owners are being hurt by this immigration policy.”
The 2025 Pew Research Center survey highlights the divide over ICE, showing 72% of Republicans view it favorably, while only 13% of Democrats hold the same opinion. With 78% of Democratic voters expressing unfavorable views of the agency, Osborn’s 2021 comments could complicate his appeal to a coalition reliant on Democratic support. His independent brand now hinges on reconciling Trump voters drawn to economic populism with Democratic allies who prioritize immigrant rights.