What observers say
“The United States is the American dream, that’s what they call it. But no, it wasn’t like that,” reflects J, a Venezuelan immigrant whose life took a dramatic turn when federal agents took his wife in February 2026. This poignant statement encapsulates the disillusionment felt by many in Baldwin, Wisconsin, as the town grapples with the consequences of aggressive immigration enforcement.
In recent months, Baldwin has witnessed a troubling increase in deportation actions, with more than 50 individuals reportedly taken by federal agents. This surge peaked during January and February 2026, coinciding with a broader trend of heightened immigration enforcement across the United States. The Trump administration had previously promised mass deportations, yet the exact number of deportations occurring in Baldwin and surrounding areas remains unconfirmed.
As of July 2024, ICE had identified 435,000 unauthorized immigrants with criminal convictions who were not in custody. Among these, 752 non-citizens convicted of murder and 1,693 convicted of sexual assault were arrested by ICE by the end of May 2025. These statistics highlight the federal agency’s focus on individuals with criminal backgrounds, yet they also raise questions about the impact on communities like Baldwin, which is over 95% white and leans Republican.
The immigrant population in Baldwin has grown in recent years, leading to a complex social dynamic. Local residents, including business owners like Jairo Sarango of EcuaMarket, have reported a steep decline in business as customers feel increasingly unsafe venturing out. “I really think that they came into small towns thinking there would be no resistance,” says Julie N, a local activist who has been vocal against ICE’s presence in the community.
In response to the federal actions, residents have organized mutual aid networks to support families affected by deportations. Jenelle Ludwig Krause, a community member, emphasizes the importance of this grassroots effort: “This is a super important fight. I care very deeply about what happens in Baldwin and what kind of community I’m part of.” Such sentiments reflect a growing resistance against federal immigration enforcement, as the community seeks to protect its vulnerable members.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the involvement of local police in immigration enforcement. Residents have questioned whether local law enforcement is cooperating with ICE, further complicating the relationship between the immigrant community and the authorities. This has led to a climate of fear, where many feel they cannot seek help from police without risking deportation.
As the Department of Homeland Security continues to enforce immigration laws across the nation, a spokesperson stated, “Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in Minnesota and Wisconsin to keep Americans safe.” However, this enforcement has led to a palpable sense of insecurity among Baldwin’s immigrant population, as families face the threat of separation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific reasons Baldwin was targeted by immigration enforcement agents. As the situation evolves, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of these actions on their lives and the fabric of their town.
