Under the Trump administration, ICE enforcement has intensified across the US with targeted arrests and increased activity in communities. This enforcement has led to major increases in arrests, widespread fear, and death. This enforcement is reaching far beyond people with criminal convictions. In July, the majority of the approximately 49,000 people arrested by ICE had no criminal convictions or pending criminal charges, and less than 4% had a past violent criminal conviction.
ICE arrests reached a new record earlier this year in Wisconsin. More than 2,100 arrests were made between Jan. 20, 2025 and the end of July 2026. People who have interacted with and been detained by ICE have reported mistreatment, including excessive use of force by agents.
Here’s how to fight back against ICE and protect immigrant communities in Wisconsin:
Oppose 287(g) agreements
Several law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin have entered 287(g) agreements, which are formal partnerships between local police and federal immigration authorities that allow local law enforcement officers to perform federal immigration duties. The share of people detained through the program is around 14% nationwide.
These agreements can be terminated at any time. You can contact your local officials, such as the sheriff’s office, to urge them to rescind existing agreements or commit not to enter into one.
- Click here for ACLU of Wisconsin’s list communities in 287(g) agreements and sample script for contacting your sheriff’s office and demand they terminate ICE involvement immediately.
- Click here to view Voces de la Fronter’s toolkit for organizers fighting 287(g) agreements in their communities.
- Click here for the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin’s 287(g) Agreements Advocacy toolkit.
Stay connected
Find additional resources and events with organizations advocating for immigrant communities statewide:
- Voces de la Frontera, Wisconsin’s leading immigrant rights organization: volunteer, access legal services, and more.
- ACLU of Wisconsin: Know your rights resources, actions and training, and more.
Be ready to vote
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