Wisconsin Village Reverses Course, Halts Controversial Plan to Partner with ICE After Community Pushback
PALMYRA, Wisconsin — Village officials in Palmyra announced that they will no longer move forward with a proposed partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after weeks of community concern, public debate, and growing criticism from immigrant-rights advocates.
Village Leaders Say Community Input Drove the Decision
In a statement posted on the village’s website, Village Board President Tim Gorsegner and Interim Police Chief Paul Blount said the decision came after extensive review and listening to residents on both sides of the issue.
“We deeply value the feedback we have received from our community… After careful consideration of those voices, we believe the best course forward for Palmyra is to take no further action on the proposed agreement.”
The original proposal involved the village’s police department applying to participate in ICE’s Task Force Officer model, which grants local officers limited immigration enforcement authority while performing normal police duties.
What the ICE Partnership Would Have Allowed
Under ICE’s Task Force framework, officers can:
- Identify undocumented individuals during routine stops
- Share information directly with ICE
- Make certain immigration-related arrests
- Assist in federal operations against human trafficking and narcotics trafficking
Police Chief Paul Blount had previously emphasized that the program would not authorize door-to-door immigration sweeps or profiling based on appearance. Instead, he said officers would only engage ICE when individuals were wanted on warrants, involved in criminal activity, or facing serious charges.
In September, Blount also noted that the program could bring federal funding, investigative resources, and expanded access to national crime databases.
Immigrant Advocates Celebrate a “Community Victory”
Immigrant-rights organization Voces de la Frontera applauded the village’s reversal, calling it a major win for families and local trust.
Executive Director Christine Neumann-Ortiz said the partnership would have undermined public safety by making immigrant families afraid to contact police.
“When we push back together, we stop policies that harm immigrant families and undermine public safety.”
The group argued that ICE partnerships historically lead to increased fear, fewer crime reports, and strained relationships between police and immigrant residents.
Palmyra Removed From ICE’s Cooperation List
The village clarified that its initial intent was to strengthen local efforts against crimes like drug trafficking and human trafficking, not to target undocumented residents.
However, after formally withdrawing from consideration, ICE removed Palmyra from its public list of current agency partners on Monday afternoon.
Officials say the decision reflects a desire to maintain community trust while still focusing on crime prevention using local and state resources.
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