Manitowoc ICE Raid Sends Shockwaves Through Wisconsin’s Dairy Country
MANITOWOC, Wisconsin — A large-scale ICE raid in one of Wisconsin’s busiest dairy regions has left immigrant workers and farmers reeling, raising concerns about the future of the state’s dairy industry. Federal agents arrested 24 individuals during the September 25 operation — many of them dairy laborers who form the backbone of Wisconsin’s rural economy.
Morning Raid Targets Dairy Workers
According to the Wisconsin Examiner, the raid began early in the morning as Department of Homeland Security agents and immigration officers arrived at a Walmart parking lot in Manitowoc, a well-known gathering place where dairy workers meet before heading to local farms. Agents later moved into private residences, arresting individuals as they left for work.
Federal officials initially said 21 migrants had been taken into custody but later revised the total to 24. The DHS claimed the operation was part of an effort to dismantle an international sex and drug trafficking ring, but has since provided little evidence to support that claim.
Only One Charged With Sex Crime
Of the 24 people arrested, the names of six individuals were released. Only one — Jose Hilario Moreno Portillo — had been charged with a sex crime, specifically second-degree sexual assault of a child in May. However, court records show Moreno Portillo has been in ICE custody since July, leading to confusion about his inclusion in the Manitowoc arrests.
The other five named individuals have been convicted of nonviolent offenses such as identity theft, disorderly conduct, hit-and-run, DUI, and traffic violations. ICE did not respond to questions regarding these discrepancies or the lack of new trafficking-related evidence.
Advocates: “This Threatens Wisconsin’s Dairy Industry”
Immigrant advocacy groups and local farmers say the Manitowoc raid has caused widespread fear among Wisconsin’s migrant workforce, which sustains the state’s $45 billion dairy economy.
“It’s sending an economic ripple effect across the dairy industry, which is Wisconsin’s rural economy,” said Luis Velasquez, statewide organizing director for Voces de la Frontera, a leading immigrant rights group.
He added that the raid has triggered panic statewide. “Rumors have been spiraling — of ICE coming into neighborhoods, schools, and homes. Some people are already planning to leave after years of working here. They don’t feel like this is a humane life anymore.”
Farmers Warn of Labor Crisis
Manitowoc County farmer Michael Slattery, who grows grain and raises Holstein steers, said that 70% of Wisconsin’s dairy labor comes from immigrants, many without documentation.
“Do you want to get up at 3 a.m., seven days a week, in the cold or the heat, to get kicked by cows while you’re putting suction cups on? People don’t want that,” Slattery said. “I’ve tried to hire local labor. I can’t get people. They don’t want to do this sort of work.”
He warned that losing even part of the immigrant workforce could devastate the state’s dairy infrastructure. “These farms don’t have enough family members to replace that labor. They’re already in a money-losing situation.”
Ripple Effects on Food Prices
Slattery noted that losing dairy laborers could have national consequences. “If cows can’t be milked, within two weeks they’ll go dry and get ill. That’s your cheap hamburger in the store. Farmers will sell cows at a loss, and less milk will mean higher prices for cheese, milk, and butter,” he explained.
“Our Rural Communities Can’t Survive Without Them”
Danielle Endvick, executive director of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, said the arrests highlight how deeply the state’s agricultural success depends on immigrant workers.
“Mass deportations can shrink rural economies and harm schools, churches, and the fabric of our communities,” Endvick said. “Our farmers can’t thrive if we treat a key workforce like they’re disposable. When immigrant workers are threatened, our rural communities are threatened too.”
Ongoing Uncertainty
While DHS has touted the operation as a strike against criminal networks, local leaders and farm organizations argue that the arrests primarily targeted hard-working dairy laborers rather than organized crime figures.
The uncertainty has rippled far beyond Manitowoc, as immigrant workers across Wisconsin fear more raids could hit other farming counties.
The Manitowoc raid underscores the tension between immigration enforcement and the realities of Wisconsin’s agricultural workforce. For continuing coverage of state and rural community developments, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.