ICE Presence Rattles Small Towns Across America

Federal immigration enforcement efforts extend beyond major cities, unsettling communities unaccustomed to such turmoil.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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President Trump's mass deportation efforts through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have expanded well beyond large, liberal cities to small towns and exurbs across America. In places like Cornelius, Oregon; Danbury, Connecticut; Biddeford, Maine; and Coon Rapids, Minnesota, the arrival of ICE agents and their aggressive tactics have been jarring for communities unaccustomed to such disruption. Local law enforcement and officials are struggling to maintain trust with immigrant communities and manage the fallout from ICE's actions.

Why it matters

The increased ICE presence in small towns and exurbs is rattling communities that are typically more politically moderate and have fewer resources to handle the impact. Even a single ICE incident can shatter the tranquility of these neighborhoods, straining relationships between law enforcement and immigrant residents and raising concerns about public safety and civil liberties.

The details

ICE is using 'data-driven intelligence' to deploy agents in rural, urban, and suburban areas across the country. In small towns like Moorefield, West Virginia (population under 3,000), ICE 'surge teams' from Philadelphia have arrested over 650 undocumented immigrants. Incidents like federal agents in unmarked vans approaching high school students with weapons drawn in Hillsboro, Oregon have left local law enforcement worried about potential accidental confrontations. Community leaders in places like Cornelius, Oregon have had to reassure immigrant residents that it's safe to report crimes or seek help from the police.

  • In October, deputies and local police in Washington County, Oregon responded to multiple 911 calls about armed men in masks approaching a car full of high school students in a crowded drive-through lane.
  • Last month, ICE 'surge teams' from Philadelphia were sent into several small West Virginia towns, resulting in the arrest of over 650 undocumented immigrants.
  • In January, about two dozen residents of Coon Rapids, Minnesota went before the mayor and city council, worried about immigration agents roaming the streets where their children play.

The players

Caprice Massey

The sheriff of Washington County, Oregon, who is worried her deputies could wind up in an accidental gunfight with federal immigration agents.

Maria Caballero Rubio

The executive director of Centro Cultural, a Cornelius, Oregon nonprofit that supports the Latino community.

Jeffrey Dalin

The mayor of Cornelius, Oregon, where more than half the 15,000 residents identify as Latino.

Jerry Koch

The mayor of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, who expressed frustration with some constituents' reaction to the growing presence of federal immigration agents in the city.

Kevin Barton

The district attorney of Washington County, Oregon, who is concerned that Hispanic residents may stop cooperating with law enforcement out of fear of ICE.

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What they’re saying

“You've got people in that parking lot who want us to arrest the ICE agents. And you've got ICE agents who want us to help them or get out of their way.”

— Caprice Massey, Sheriff (The New York Times)

“We said, 'But they're hurting people.' People are being thrown to the ground for no reason, and a police officer is just standing by.”

— Maria Caballero Rubio, Executive Director, Centro Cultural (The New York Times)

“We're not Minneapolis or St Paul; we're not a sanctuary city; we cooperate.”

— Jerry Koch, Mayor of Coon Rapids (The New York Times)

“If your loved one was a victim of a violent crime and the only witness was undocumented, wouldn't you want them to call 911? Wouldn't you want them to come testify in court?”

— Kevin Barton, District Attorney of Washington County (The New York Times)

What’s next

Local law enforcement officials in Washington County, Oregon have met with regional and national Department of Homeland Security officials to request changes in how ICE operates, including wearing visible badges and notifying local police before making arrests in public. However, the officials say 'nothing has changed' so far.

The takeaway

The increased ICE presence in small towns and exurbs across America is straining relationships between law enforcement and immigrant communities, raising concerns about public safety, civil liberties, and the ability of local governments to maintain trust and stability in the face of federal immigration enforcement actions.