Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued an emergency proclamation on Friday to activate the National Guard ahead of statewide protests this weekend.

“As a precaution in anticipation of anti-ICE protests across Nebraska this weekend, including at the College World Series, I have issued an emergency proclamation and the appropriate orders to activate Nebraska National Guard and State Patrol personnel if necessary to address any civil disturbance,” Pillen said.

“Free speech will be respected and protected in Nebraska, but the lawlessness, chaos, and rioting seen in other cities in past weeks will not be tolerated here. I have taken the necessary steps to ensure we have the state resources necessary to promptly respond to disorder. Any person who poses a threat to life, health, or property will be arrested. Nebraskans across the state, as well as the thousands of visitors to Omaha for the College World Series, can rest assured that the State of Nebraska and our local partners have taken the appropriate steps to ensure security and order,” he continued.

My team and I will remain in continuous contact with National Guard, State Patrol, and @NEMAtweets
leaders in the coming days as we monitor developments and respond accordingly,” he added.

As a precaution in anticipation of anti-ICE protests across Nebraska this weekend, including at the College World Series, I have issued an emergency proclamation and the appropriate orders to activate Nebraska National Guard and State Patrol personnel if necessary to address any…

— Governor Jim Pillen (@TeamPillen) June 13, 2025

From the Nebraska Examiner:

Nebraska has seen several protests in recent days over a federal immigration raid that hit an Omaha food plant, in what immigration officials said was the largest Nebraska enforcement operation since President Donald Trump took office.

ADVERTISEMENT

Most of the protests have been peaceful – though federal officials arrested four protesters from the original raid site, Glenn Valley Foods, alleging “aggressive” behavior and damage to federal property.

Pillen and Nebraska joined other states with conservative governors, such as Texas and Missouri, that have activated their National Guard in advance of planned protests. Texas has deployed 5,000 Guard members.

Pillen formally declared a state of emergency to activate the Guard so it can assist local law enforcement should any demonstrations escalate.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday announced an emergency proclamation allowing him to activate the National Guard.https://t.co/wVZzQ1iZAU

— Nebraska Public Media News (@NebPubMediaNews) June 14, 2025

Per Nebraska Public Media:

President Trump federalized California’s National Guard and sent several hundred Marines to Los Angeles because of protests and unrest there. California sued Trump seeking to rescind the order. A judge initially ruled in the state’s favor, but an appeals court stayed that ruling.

Mindy Rush Chipman, executive director of ACLU of Nebraska, called Pillen’s decision, “grossly irresponsible and entirely at odds with his claim that he wants to respect free speech.”

“There is no doubt it sends a chilling message to Nebraskans who plan to peacefully raise their voices this weekend. The right for people to come together in protest is core to our constitution and democracy. We have every expectation that Nebraskans will not let the governor’s fearmongering or provocations stop them from peacefully speaking out in defense of our communities and our rights,” Rush Chipman said in a statement.

“To those protesting this weekend, remember that we can best support our communities when we know our rights, prioritize deescalation and look out for each other — that is especially true in the face of inflammatory actions like this.”