Immigration enforcement continues to spark debate, but for many Wisconsinites, the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remains essential. Founded in 2003, ICE enforces federal immigration law and investigates serious crimes including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and document fraud.
Despite political rhetoric, ICE’s mission is rooted in law — not partisanship. Agents operate under congressional mandate and focus heavily on individuals with criminal histories.
In Wisconsin, ICE has played a quiet but vital role in safeguarding communities. Whether targeting fraud operations or removing repeat offenders, its actions support local law enforcement and protect small businesses, schools and neighborhoods.
Critics often rely on emotional flashpoints, but those stories overshadow the countless times ICE has rescued trafficking victims or dismantled identity theft rings. These successes matter to places like Milwaukee, where lawful immigration and public safety go hand-in-hand.
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ICE agents are career professionals and veterans committed to public service. Their work is challenging, often thankless, but fundamentally necessary. In defending our borders and enforcing the law, they uphold fairness, accountability, and security — values Wisconsin communities can stand behind.
Ted Engelbart, Hustisford
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mission of ICE is rooted in law, not political partisanship | Letters