A complex dynamic in Fremont, Nebraska, takes place in a small town near Omaha, where the arrival of Central American migrants has played a significant role in the local economy. With a population of approximately 27,000 and three major meat processing plants, the city faces a dilemma between the need for labor to keep its industries running and the tensions that come with the presence of undocumented migrants.

The narrative published by NBCNews, shows that since the opening of a large rotisserie chicken facility by Costco in 2019, Central American migrants have been filling the jobs left by local youth looking for better opportunities in other regions. However, despite the need for manpower, Fremont has maintained a controversial law since 2010 that seeks to prohibit undocumented migrants from residing within city limits.

That law, known as Ordinance 5,165, was approved by a majority vote in a local referendum. However, there are divisions in public opinion about its application and effectiveness. While some residents, such as Brenda Ray, support it as a measure to ensure migrants are legally present in the U.S., others recognize its inapplicability and potential legal consequences.

The arrival of migrants has transformed the Fremont community, creating additional pressure on the city's services, especially in schools, where a large number of children who do not speak English as a first language have been enrolled. Despite these challenges, efforts have been made to welcome newcomers, such as hiring translators and offering language classes from local businesses such as the Costco chicken factory.

“By 2022 a town that was once nearly all white had become 16% Latino, according to census data, and the number has risen since. Many of the most recent arrivals are from Guatemala. The Guatemalan consulate in Omaha says there are at least 2,020 Guatemalans in Fremont and the true figure could be 45% higher”, according to the publication.

Despite the tensions and challenges, many migrants, like Maria and Vicente Hernandez, have found a new home in Fremont where they can pursue the “American dream”. However, the continued presence of migrants and irregular law enforcement highlight the complexities and divisions present in the Fremont community regarding the issue of immigration.