Fort Wayne Hosts Immigration Law Forum as ICE Enforcement Increases Nationwide

City leaders and law enforcement gather to inform and equip residents on immigration rights and local law enforcement roles.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The city of Fort Wayne, Indiana is hosting an educational forum on immigration law and enforcement on Saturday morning at the Grand Wayne Center. The event, organized by Mayor Sharon Tucker, will feature a local immigration attorney and leaders from the Fort Wayne Police and Fire Departments to provide information to residents about the rights and limits of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as well as the roles of local law enforcement. The forum comes in response to growing concerns and confusion among residents about the increase in ICE activity across the country.

Why it matters

As ICE enforcement has ramped up nationwide, many communities are grappling with fear and uncertainty around immigration issues. This forum aims to provide Fort Wayne residents with authoritative information and clarity on their rights and the roles of local law enforcement in relation to federal immigration actions.

The details

The educational forum was announced earlier this week by Mayor Sharon Tucker, who cited hearing from many concerned residents about the increase in ICE activity. The event will feature a local immigration attorney as well as leaders from the Fort Wayne Police and Fire Departments. They will share information about the rights and limits of ICE, as well as the roles and responsibilities of local law enforcement when it comes to immigration enforcement.

  • The forum is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
  • The announcement for the event was made earlier this week on Tuesday.

The players

Mayor Sharon Tucker

The mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana who organized the immigration law forum in response to concerns from residents.

Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD)

The local law enforcement agency that will participate in the forum to explain their roles and responsibilities regarding immigration enforcement.

Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD)

The local fire department that will also participate in the forum to provide information to residents.

Local immigration attorney

An unnamed local immigration attorney who will speak at the forum to explain the rights and limits of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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What they’re saying

“Everywhere I go, I'm hearing from residents who are feeling fear and uncertainty because of the events unfolding across our nation. There are many questions and a great deal of confusion about what local law enforcement can and cannot do when it comes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That's why it's important that we come together as a community for an honest and informative conversation.”

— Mayor Sharon Tucker (Social media post)

What’s next

WANE 15 will provide a live stream of the immigration law forum starting just before 10 AM on Saturday.

The takeaway

This forum demonstrates how local governments are working to address the concerns and confusion among residents about the roles of federal immigration enforcement and local law enforcement in their communities. By providing authoritative information, the city of Fort Wayne aims to empower its residents and promote understanding around these complex issues.