21 Arrested in Manitowoc County as ICE Raids Intensify

Mass arrests in Wisconsin include illegal aliens accused of sexual assault, human trafficking

Published September 28, 2025

21 illegal aliens were arrested in Manitowoc County on Thursday as the Trump administration has turned its attention towards Wisconsin in ICE raids that continue to intensify.

Those arrested include numerous illegal aliens who are accused of sexual assault and human trafficking, according to a statement released by Milwaukee’s FBI office, which coordinated the raids with ICE.

The effort was the result of coordination between local law enforcement and numerous federal agencies. Beyond just the FBI and ICE, the U.S. Marshals, DEA, CBP, and IRS-CI were also reportedly involved in the operation.

Manitowoc County Sheriff Dan Hartwig confirmed that his office was made aware of the raid and cooperated with federal law enforcement authorities, providing a “couple members” of his department to assist. (RELATED: Wisconsin Legislators Propose Tough on Crime Bill for Repeat Offenders)

Today, FBI Milwaukee and @ICEgov led a joint operation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals, DEA, CBP, and IRS-CI in arresting 21 subjects in Manitowoc County. All the subjects are in the country illegally. Nine of the subjects were targeted for their suspected involvement in… pic.twitter.com/t4i9hYateR
— FBI Milwaukee (@FBIMilwaukee) September 25, 2025

The Trump administration’s recent raid further brings Wisconsin and specifically the greater Milwaukee area into focus as there have been numerous immigration related controversies in the state.

In May, a Milwaukee judge was indicted on charges of obstructing immigration officers after she allegedly attempted to allow an illegal immigrant facing trial in her courtroom to evade ICE detection through a sequestered jury room.

Last month, the judge overseeing her case threw out her attempt to dismiss the charges, meaning the case against her will proceed. (RELATED: Wisconsin Lawmakers Looking To Repeal Governor Evers 400 Year Bill)

While there have been numerous high profile incidents involving judges or Sheriffs in Wisconsin refusing to cooperate with ICE, a growing number of local law enforcement agencies in the state have signed agreements with ICE, strengthening cooperation and allowing for more raids like the one conducted Thursday.