El Perico de Omaha

06/24/2026

"That’s when I realized I was completely alone."

Amid deportations, what happens to children who are U.S. citizens? A look at the emotional roller coaster families are going through.

Overview: More separation looms for Guatemalan migrant family in Nebraska two decades The Guatemalan mom left the Omaha immigration office, a monitor attached to her ankle, and immediately called her teenage son who was at home watching seven younger siblings. She was coming home, Isabel Quinilla Pu...

06/18/2026

“A lot of kids don’t know this relief exists until it’s too late.”

Confusion often surrounds young immigrants seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, which is one pathway to permanent residency.

This article is part of the project Lives in the Balance, which brought together nearly 100 journalists from six universities to document the reach of that system from inside the nation’s immigration courts. The Midwest Newsroom provided editorial support to the team from the University of Nebra...

06/17/2026

Three University of Nebraska-Lincoln students spent a week observing Omaha Immigration Court, where they found a backlogged system overwhelmed by language barriers and policy changes.

Jordy guzzled Monster energy drinks and chewed gum in an attempt to stay awake on his drive from California into the nation’s heartland on a chilly February day. He sometimes tried to nap during the 22-hour road trip. Jordy and a buddy embarked on the cross-country trip against the advice of his f...

05/14/2026

The annual Cinco de Mayo festival is returning to South Omaha for its 106th year. The event, which will be held Friday through Sunday, features a parade, live music and more.

The annual Cinco de Mayo festival is returning to the heart of South Omaha for its 106th year.  Casa de la Cultura, in partnership with Supermercado Nuestra Familia, announced Cinco de Mayo Omaha will be held May 15-17 along historic South 24th Street from L to O streets. The three-day festival, wh...

05/11/2026

“They’re controlling me with the monitor. I really don’t know what is going to happen.”

Rolando Lorenzo Nicolas, a deacon in the Omaha archdiocese, is being forced to wear an ankle monitor so federal immigration agents can track him.

Sounds of an indigenous Mayan language, along with Spanish prayer, guitar strumming and ceremonial incense, filled the South Omaha church previously a home base to European newcomers. The current congregation, many wearing traditional huipil garb, was celebrating its rare spiritual leader, believe...

05/07/2026

An Omaha-based nonprofit is launching a program for future immigration lawyers after the immigration clinic at the University of Nebraska's College of Law was closed.

An Omaha-based nonprofit is launching a new externship program for future immigration lawyers following the closure of the University of Nebraska’s College of Law Immigration Clinic. The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, or CIRA, will offer University of Nebraska-Lincoln law students...

05/07/2026

A new program from the Nebraska Democratic Party’s Latino Caucus brings people to the Capitol in Lincoln to teach them about civic engagement.

Immigration crackdowns and job losses have shaken Nebraska’s Latino community this year. Some – even citizens with full voter rights – are afraid to speak up amid the fear caused by these events. Others see the turmoil as an opportunity to show the Latino community how much their voices matter...

05/06/2026

Two local Latinas who help lead immigrant advocacy efforts for Nebraska nonprofits were honored at a Cinco de Mayo celebration Tuesday.

Two local Latinas who help lead immigrant advocacy efforts for Nebraska nonprofits were honored at a Cinco de Mayo celebration Tuesday. Recognized with community impact awards at Metropolitan Community College’s 26th annual Cinco de Mayo luncheon were: Perla Ochoa, a South Omaha community organize...

05/04/2026

A new event featuring a variety of Latin music will be held this weekend at the Ritmo Music Festival at Heartland of America Park.
https://el-perico.com/latin-music-festival-coming-to-heartland-of-america-park/

04/29/2026

The annual Cinco de Mayo festival is returning to South Omaha for its 106th year.

The annual Cinco de Mayo festival is returning to the heart of South Omaha for its 106th year.  Casa de la Cultura, in partnership with Supermercado Nuestra Familia, announced Cinco de Mayo Omaha will be held May 15-17 along historic South 24th Street from L to O streets. The three-day festival, wh...