Kansas Governor Speaks on Surprise ICE Operation in Manhattan

Kelly says state was not alerted ahead of federal immigration enforcement actions in local community.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said she had no prior notice before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted operations in the city of Manhattan, located in Riley County. The Riley County Police Department confirmed the ICE activity on social media but stated they were not involved in the federal enforcement actions.

Why it matters

The lack of communication between federal immigration authorities and state and local officials during ICE operations raises concerns about transparency and coordination, especially in communities where there may be heightened tensions around immigration enforcement.

The details

According to reports, the Riley County Police Department announced on social media that ICE operations had occurred that morning in the Manhattan area. The police department stated they were not involved in these federal actions and directed all questions to ICE.

  • The ICE operations took place on the morning of Thursday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Gov. Laura Kelly

The governor of the state of Kansas.

Riley County Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that confirmed the ICE operations in Manhattan, Kansas.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration enforcement agency that conducted the operations in Manhattan without prior notification to state officials.

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What they’re saying

“'You've been paying attention to what's going on in Minnesota? Of course they don't regularly inform the governor — at least in certain states,'”

— Gov. Laura Kelly

“'(RCPD) has received multiple calls regarding possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Manhattan area this morning. We can confirm there were operations that were conducted. RCPD was not involved in these operations. Please refer all questions to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.'”

— Riley County Police Department

What’s next

It is unclear if the governor or local officials plan to seek more information or accountability from federal immigration authorities regarding the surprise ICE operations in Manhattan.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and lack of coordination between federal immigration enforcement and state/local governments, raising questions about transparency and the impact of such actions on communities.