What observers say
“The United States is the American dream, that’s what they call it. But no, it wasn’t like that,” said J, a Venezuelan immigrant whose life was turned upside down when federal agents took his wife during a raid in Baldwin, Wisconsin, in February 2026. This stark statement encapsulates the turmoil within the community as deportation efforts intensify.
In Baldwin, a small town that is over 95% white and leans Republican, the immigrant population has grown in recent years, leading to a complex social dynamic. More than 50 people have been taken by federal agents in the area, peaking in January and February 2026. Residents have reported feeling unsafe, prompting the formation of mutual aid networks to support families affected by these deportations.
Jairo Sarango, owner of EcuaMarket, has witnessed a steep decline in business as customers feel uncomfortable leaving their homes. The atmosphere has shifted dramatically, with fear permeating the community. “I really think that they came into small towns thinking there would be no resistance,” said Julie N, a local resident who has been vocal against ICE operations.
As the Department of Homeland Security continues its enforcement actions, a spokesperson stated, “Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in Minnesota and Wisconsin to keep Americans safe.” This assertion has not quelled the rising tensions in Baldwin, where local residents question police involvement with immigration enforcement.
In a recent village board meeting, four residents spoke out against ICE’s presence, highlighting the growing discontent among Baldwin’s citizens. Jenelle Ludwig Krause, a concerned resident, emphasized, “This is a super important fight. I care very deeply about what happens in Baldwin and what kind of community I’m part of.” Such sentiments reflect a community grappling with its identity amid federal actions.
The Trump administration’s promise of mass deportations has cast a long shadow over towns like Baldwin, though the number of deportations by ICE has not been regularly disclosed. As of July 2024, ICE had identified 435,000 unauthorized immigrants with criminal convictions in the United States who were not in custody, with a significant number of arrests occurring in recent months.
As of the end of May 2025, ICE had arrested 752 non-citizens convicted of murder and 1,693 convicted of sexual assault. However, the exact number of deportations occurring in Baldwin and surrounding areas remains unconfirmed. Details remain unconfirmed.
The community’s future hangs in the balance as residents navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement and its impact on their lives. With federal agents actively targeting the area, Baldwin stands at a crossroads, facing both the challenges of deportation and the resilience of its community.
