Former Nebraska Law Enforcement and Veterans Form Coalition to Fight 'Federal Overreach'

The new 'Equality Before the Law' group aims to push back against actions by some federal agencies under the Trump administration.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, abstract painting of an American flag in shades of red, white, and blue, with overlapping geometric shapes and lines creating a sense of movement and unrest, conceptually representing the tensions between local and federal authorities.A coalition of former Nebraska law enforcement and veterans aims to challenge perceived federal overreach, reflecting growing tensions between local and national authorities.Lincoln Today

A group of former Nebraska law enforcement officials and military veterans have announced the formation of a new coalition called 'Equality Before the Law' to address what they describe as 'federal overreach' by certain agencies during the second term of the Trump administration. The coalition, led by former Lincoln Police Chief and Lancaster County Sheriff Tom Casady, aims to push back against actions they say have eroded public trust in law enforcement.

Why it matters

The new coalition represents a growing concern among some in Nebraska's law enforcement and military communities about the perceived overreach of federal agencies, particularly in Democratic-led cities, during the Trump administration's second term. Their efforts could influence state-level policies and public perceptions of federal law enforcement activities in the state.

The details

The eight founders of the 'Equality Before the Law' coalition include former Lincoln police and emergency management officials, as well as retired military members. They cited examples such as the Trump administration's use of the National Guard in Democratic-led cities and increased ICE and Border Patrol presence in Minnesota that led to clashes with protesters. While Nebraska has not seen the same level of federal actions, the group wants to 'keep it that way' and work with state lawmakers on related policies. The coalition hopes to gain credibility from the law enforcement and military backgrounds of its members.

  • In the past 15 months, the Trump administration has ramped up immigration enforcement and emphasis on mass deportations.
  • Last year, Nebraska saw a major ICE raid in Omaha at a Glenn Valley Foods facility, which prompted protests.
  • During the College World Series last summer, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen activated the Nebraska National Guard ahead of some of those protests, though most were peaceful.

The players

Tom Casady

Former Lincoln Police Chief and former Lancaster County Sheriff, who is a leader of the new 'Equality Before the Law' coalition.

Jim Davidsover

Retired Lincoln police captain and Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management director, and a founder of the 'Equality Before the Law' coalition.

Jim Melson

Retired military member from Omaha, and a founder of the 'Equality Before the Law' coalition.

Janece Mollhoff

Retired military member from Ashland, and a founder of the 'Equality Before the Law' coalition.

Wayne Mollhoff

Retired military member from Ashland, and a founder of the 'Equality Before the Law' coalition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Public safety breaks down when priorities are driven by political pressure or when people think that the law doesn't apply to them. This is not a standard that we accept here in Nebraska.”

— Tom Casady, Former Lincoln Police Chief and former Lancaster County Sheriff

“I don't have to worry about my federal grant being pulled or about retaliation for expressing my viewpoints.”

— Tom Casady, Former Lincoln Police Chief and former Lancaster County Sheriff

What’s next

The coalition hopes to gain more support from other law enforcement and military veterans in Nebraska and work with state lawmakers on related policies.

The takeaway

The formation of the 'Equality Before the Law' coalition reflects growing concerns among some in Nebraska's law enforcement and military communities about perceived federal overreach, particularly in Democratic-led cities, during the Trump administration's second term. Their efforts could shape state-level policies and public perceptions of federal law enforcement activities in the state.