A former union leader campaigning for a Senate seat is under scrutiny for his 2021 assertions regarding undocumented labor at Kellogg Company, potentially straining his diverse coalition of supporters.
Dan Osborne, an independent candidate for the Nebraska Senate backed by the Democratic Party, is focusing part of his campaign on appealing to voters who are critical of the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies. He has openly condemned the administration’s tactics, particularly the deployment of undercover agents, while underscoring the significance of immigrant workers to Nebraska’s economy. According to Osborne, federal raids on local businesses, such as factories and restaurants, are detrimental to the state’s economic health.
Osborne’s previous experience as a union leader during a contentious strike at Omaha’s Kellogg factory in 2021 further complicates his stance on immigration. During that time, he claimed the union informed immigration authorities that Kellogg was allegedly replacing striking employees with undocumented immigrants.
Kellogg Company is hiring replacement employees. We are seeing that they are replacing a significant portion of our workforce with illegal immigrants. We contacted the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. We have raised demands and hope they take appropriate action and investigate our complaint.
– Dan Osborn
Examining Kellogg’s Labor Relations and Osborne’s Campaign Response
At the time of his claims, Osborne provided no substantiating evidence regarding the employment of undocumented workers at Kellogg. A review by CNN found no confirmation of his allegations. Although reports indicated temporary workers were employed, there was no public documentation linking these individuals to illegal immigration status. Kellogg Co. has not issued a statement responding to these claims.
Osborne’s campaign clarified that he has not directly communicated with ICE or DHS. Instead, he reportedly reached out to a local sheriff’s office to gather information on how to report the alleged violations, which he then communicated to his campaign team. Others, however, contacted federal agencies independently.
While a spokesperson for ICE refrained from confirming any details about the allegations surrounding the Kellogg strike, the agency reiterated its policy of not acknowledging those who report suspected immigration infractions.
Just days after his podcast appearance for workers, a new contract was ratified, concluding a 77-day strike.
Osborne’s Stance on Immigration Policies
Osborne has cultivated an image as a pro-labor populist independent. The Navy veteran and former union leader, despite a loss in the 2024 election, is striving to build a coalition that includes disenchanted Democratic voters, amid a growing wariness towards ICE within that group.
The fallout from his past comments, however, may present challenges, especially as immigration has become a divisive issue in American politics. Candidates face the complex task of reconciling the differing views of their constituents.
His independent approach hinges on balancing support from both economic populists and Democrats, making immigration a critical point of concern for his coalition.
Osborne aims to blend strong rhetoric on immigration with a compassionate understanding of the undocumented community. He advocates for pathways to citizenship for long-standing undocumented immigrants, arguing that their labor is essential to filling job vacancies in Nebraska. He also supports the notion that immigration reform must align with robust border security.
Osborne has been vocal in his critiques of President Trump’s immigration policies, labeling them as harmful to businesses and lacking humanity.
This is bad for business, but it’s also not humane. We have factories being raided, meat processors being raided, and businesses suffering because of this immigration policy. As someone who is financially conservative, this deeply worries me.
– Dan Osborn
According to recent data from the Pew Research Center, political attitudes towards ICE among Democrats reflect significant tension; 78% view the agency negatively, contrasting with the 72% positive sentiment amongst Republicans.
Challenges Faced by Kellogg Company
Osborne’s assertions in 2021 emerged during a prolonged and contentious dispute between Kellogg and the union he represented. Around 1,400 employees at Kellogg’s US facilities were involved in the strike, which was primarily sparked by grievances over pay, benefits, and a contentious two-tier wage system that offers reduced compensation and benefits to new hires. The strike, lasting 77 days, culminated in a new contract that promised wage increases and advancement opportunities for younger employees.
While serving as the president of the local 50G Bakery, Confectionery, and Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers, Osborne’s campaign clarified that he did not directly contact federal authorities but communicated with a local sheriff instead, with others reaching out to DHS and ICE independently.
On the campaign trail, the Nebraska Democratic Party’s endorsement of Osborne underscores the significance of his campaign strategy. After a notable showing in the 2024 election, despite defeat, he continues to seek a coalition that includes a segment of Democratic voters critical of ICE.
During his public appearances, Osborne emphasizes the adverse effects of illegal immigration on American workers, while also advocating for the economic contributions of legal immigrants to address labor shortages in Nebraska. He reiterates that any immigration reform needs to be accompanied by effective border security measures.
As immigration remains a pivotal issue in Osborne’s campaign strategy, he endeavors to strike a balance between a hardline stance on border control and empathy towards long-term undocumented residents, aiming to unify a coalition that spans economic populists to wary Democrats. This multifaceted approach could be decisive in his quest for the Senate seat.
