Oshkosh Police Clarify Recent Operation as Drug and Firearm Bust, Not Immigration Enforcement

Authorities executed a federal warrant related to narcotics and firearms violations, not immigration.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Oshkosh Police Department has clarified that a recent joint operation with federal authorities, including the ATF's Special Response Team, was focused on executing a federal warrant related to drug and firearm violations, and was not an immigration enforcement action as some had speculated.

Why it matters

The operation has raised concerns in the community about potential immigration enforcement, which the police have now explicitly denied. Maintaining public trust and transparency around law enforcement actions is crucial, especially when federal agencies are involved.

The details

On Thursday morning, police executed a federal warrant at an undisclosed address in Oshkosh. The warrant was related to federal narcotics and firearms violations, and was carried out by the ATF's Special Response Team in partnership with the Oshkosh Police Department and the Lake Winnebago Metropolitan Enforcement Group (LWAM). The police emphasized that this was not an immigration enforcement operation.

  • The operation took place on Thursday morning.

The players

Oshkosh Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that carried out the operation in partnership with federal authorities.

ATF's Special Response Team

A specialized federal law enforcement unit that assisted in executing the warrant.

Lake Winnebago Metropolitan Enforcement Group (LWAM)

A regional law enforcement task force that also participated in the operation.

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The takeaway

This operation highlights the importance of clear communication from law enforcement to maintain public trust, especially when federal agencies are involved. The Oshkosh Police Department's swift clarification that this was not an immigration enforcement action helps to address community concerns and reinforce their commitment to transparency.