Immigration officials have confirmed that recent reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting operations in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin were false, according to local authorities.

The Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement Thursday addressing community concerns after receiving multiple inquiries about alleged ICE agent sightings in the area. Sheriff Cory Schalinske emphasized that his office had directly contacted ICE officials, who confirmed no operations were taking place in the county.

“After speaking with ICE officials, we can confirm they are not conducting any operations in our jurisdiction at this time,” Sheriff Schalinske said. “The reports circulating in our community appear to be misinformation.”

The rumors gained traction on social media platforms earlier this week, causing anxiety among immigrant communities in western Wisconsin. Several local immigrant advocacy groups reported receiving frantic calls from residents concerned about possible deportation actions.

Maria Rodriguez, director of the Chippewa Valley Immigrant Support Coalition, told reporters that the misinformation had real consequences for local families. “We had people afraid to go to work, parents keeping children home from school, and families preparing emergency plans,” Rodriguez said. “Even though these reports were false, the fear they generated was very real.”

Law enforcement officials have urged residents to verify information through official channels before sharing potentially alarming claims on social media. The Sheriff’s Office has established a community hotline specifically for immigration-related concerns to combat the spread of misinformation.

This incident reflects a broader pattern of immigration-related misinformation affecting communities across the United States. In recent years, several similar false reports have circulated in other states, often triggering panic in vulnerable populations.

Immigration policy has remained a divisive issue in Wisconsin, a key battleground state where agricultural industries rely heavily on immigrant labor. The dairy industry, in particular, estimates that over 40 percent of its workforce consists of immigrant laborers, many of whom are especially sensitive to rumors about immigration enforcement.

State Representative Carlos Hernandez, whose district includes parts of Eau Claire County, called for responsible communication around immigration issues. “When false information spreads, it damages trust and creates unnecessary fear,” Hernandez said. “Community members deserve accurate information, especially regarding something as serious as immigration enforcement.”

Federal immigration operations typically follow specific protocols, including coordination with local law enforcement agencies when conducting large-scale actions. Sheriff Schalinske noted that his department would generally be notified of significant ICE operations within county jurisdiction, though federal agencies maintain independent authority.

Eau Claire, with a population of approximately 70,000 residents, has seen its immigrant population grow steadily over the past decade, particularly among Southeast Asian and Hispanic communities. The city has worked to develop more inclusive policies in recent years, including the establishment of a diversity and inclusion office in 2019.

Local officials are now working to rebuild trust and reassure affected community members. The city’s Community Relations Commission announced it would hold a public forum next week to address concerns and provide factual information about immigration enforcement procedures.

“Misinformation thrives in environments of uncertainty,” said Eau Claire Mayor David Thompson. “Our goal is to ensure all residents have access to accurate information and understand their rights, regardless of immigration status.”

Immigration experts recommend that concerned individuals consult with qualified immigration attorneys or recognized community organizations for guidance rather than relying on unverified social media reports. Several nonprofit legal service providers in the region offer free consultations to individuals with immigration concerns.

As authorities work to dispel the false reports, they continue to monitor the situation and remain alert to the potential for similar misinformation campaigns in the future.