Milwaukee Alderman Regrets Telling District to Prepare for Unconfirmed ICE Surge

Alderman Alex Brower says his warning created unnecessary fear in the immigrant community.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A Milwaukee alderman has expressed regret for telling his district to prepare for a major ICE operation, despite having no confirmation that such an operation was actually planned. Alderman Alex Brower sent a news release informing his constituents about a door-to-door event to educate them on how to respond if ICE agents showed up, but he admits he only had indications, not confirmation, of a large-scale ICE operation coming to the city.

Why it matters

Brower's warning has been criticized for creating unnecessary fear and harm within the immigrant community in Milwaukee, where rumors of ICE surges often circulate without being confirmed. This highlights the delicate balance community leaders must strike between preparing residents and avoiding panic.

The details

In his news release, Brower cited President Trump's promises to "rid this country of illegal immigrants" as the reason for his warning, even though ICE has not confirmed any plans for a major operation in Milwaukee. Local immigrant advocates say they have seen an increase in ICE arrests in recent months, but no full-blown surge. Brower acknowledged that his phrasing may have been regrettable, saying he would never want to cause anyone to feel afraid.

  • On February 17, 2026, Alderman Alex Brower sent a news release about a door-to-door event to prepare for a potential ICE operation.
  • Between January and July 2025, ICE agents based in Milwaukee arrested about 75 immigrants, according to Wisconsin Watch.

The players

Alderman Alex Brower

A Milwaukee alderman who sent a news release warning his district about a potential major ICE operation, despite lacking confirmation of such an operation.

Voces de la Frontera

A local immigrant advocacy group that says they have seen an increase in ICE arrests in Milwaukee in recent months, but no full-blown surge.

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What they’re saying

“Because the president has promised that they will quote, 'rid this country of illegal immigrants,'”

— Alderman Alex Brower (tmj4.com)

“Well, it's not my intention whatsoever to create fear or harm in those communities. Our intention is to have the neighbors on the east side and Riverwest be ready to do whatever they can,”

— Alderman Alex Brower (tmj4.com)

“I would never want to cause anyone to feel afraid and so if that is the case, I do regret that,”

— Alderman Alex Brower (tmj4.com)

What’s next

ICE has not responded to requests for comment about its plans for enforcement operations in Milwaukee.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance community leaders must strike between preparing residents for potential events and avoiding unnecessary panic, especially in immigrant communities where fears of ICE raids are already high.