ICE Arrests Suspect in Madison Attack Where Woman ‘Played Dead’ to Escape; 6 Others Taken Into Custody
MADISON, Wisconsin — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have arrested Ismael Hernandez-Padilla, a Honduran national accused of a violent Madison attack in which a woman escaped by “playing dead.” Six other individuals were also detained during the operation.
Attack on Madison Woman in September
According to 27 News (WKOW), the incident took place on September 7 when a woman told police she was walking to a gas station on Packers Avenue in Madison. She reported that a man — later identified as Hernandez-Padilla — dragged her into a vacant lot, strangled her, and punched her repeatedly.
The victim told investigators that she managed to escape by pretending to be dead until Hernandez-Padilla fled the scene.
Hernandez-Padilla is charged in Dane County with strangulation and suffocation, battery, disorderly conduct, and bail jumping in connection to that assault.
Additional Sexual Assault Charges Filed
Prosecutors also charged Hernandez-Padilla in a separate case with two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and one count of lascivious behavior, all misdemeanors. Authorities say those charges stem from a different incident involving inappropriate contact.
He has not yet been convicted of any of the charges filed against him.
ICE Operation and Arrest
On October 2, DHS confirmed that ICE conducted a targeted vehicle stop in Madison leading to Hernandez-Padilla’s arrest.
“This predator was previously arrested for two counts of sexual assault, aggravated assault, lascivious behavior, felony strangulation and suffocation, and bail jumping,” said Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement to 27 News.
McLaughlin noted that Hernandez-Padilla had entered the U.S. unlawfully at an unknown time.
While the Wisconsin Court System records do not show an aggravated assault charge, court files confirm all other listed offenses.
Six Others Taken Into Custody
During the operation, ICE agents also detained six additional undocumented individuals who were inside the vehicle with Hernandez-Padilla. McLaughlin said several had pending criminal charges for offenses including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and trespassing.
She did not identify the six by name or confirm whether all had been officially charged.
“Bottom line: Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.,” McLaughlin said in her statement.
Madison Police Not Involved in Operation
The Madison Police Department confirmed it was not involved in the ICE arrests, saying it learned of the operation after it was completed. The agency added that the arrests occurred at a private home, though the exact address was not disclosed.
The case has reignited debate in Madison about local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and the handling of repeat violent offenders. For more updates on Wisconsin law enforcement and community safety, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.