City of Eau Claire Questions and Answers Related to Federal Immigration Enforcement

January 30, 2026

City’s Role in Enforcement

Question: What is the City’s role in and limits with regard to Federal enforcement activities?

Answer: The City of Eau Claire is proud to be a safe and welcoming place for all. We recognize the legitimate concerns Eau Claire residents have regarding federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and the impact those actions can have on people in our community.

At the same time, it’s important to understand the legal limits of municipal government. The City of Eau Claire and the Eau Claire Police Department do not have the legal authority to enforce civil immigration laws. These activities are conducted by federal agencies, not by local law enforcement.

Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and a city cannot prohibit ICE from operating, ban agents from the city, or block federal enforcement actions. We will continue to connect with affected community leaders and organizations to offer support, listen to concerns, and share accurate information and resources.

No matter who you are or where you come from, you should never hesitate to call 911 if you witness or are a victim of a crime. Safety and wellbeing for everyone in our community is always our focus and priority.

After Action Report

Question: Are ICE or Customs and Border Protections (CBP) obliged to let Police know after an action in Eau Claire?

Answer: No, they are not obligated to provide an after-action report following a deployment in a city.

Observation

Question: If the City hears of an ICE or CBP action occurring in Eau Claire, would Police Officers be dispatched to the scene to observe?

Answer: The ECPD will not dispatch officers to observe action, however, it will be responsive to any incoming 911 calls.

Masks

Question: Can the City Council prohibit ICE or CBP from wearing masks that obscure their faces and agency names? What is the ECPD policy for identification of officers?

Answer: Federal policy allows ICE officers to wear masks. Our Police Department’s identification policies are as follows: “The Eau Claire Police Department has strong policies that require officers to be identifiable while performing their duties. Department policy requires all officers to either wear their nameplate or display their department-issued identification card while on duty or acting in an official capacity as part of the uniform policy. Furthermore, department policy requires all officers to present their department-issued identification card and identify themselves verbally in a polite and professional manner by name and rank when requested to do so by a community member. Department directive only allows the use of a face covering in very limited circumstances. These circumstances are limited to working outdoors in extreme cold, when a flame-retardant face covering is needed when exposed to fire, or when a medical mask is needed due to risk of health exposure.”

National Guard

Question: Would any of these questions be answered differently if they were about the National Guard?

Answer: No.

Additional Question on Sanctuary City Status

Question: What is a “Sanctuary City”?

Answer: The term Sanctuary City does not have a legal meaning but generally refers to a policy that limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities.  We do not have the authority to change federal law and administration policies. Change in federal leadership and policy comes after a change in administrations.

Eau Claire Police Department Priorities

Question: What are our Police Department’s priorities?

Answer: Our Police Department works very hard to serve all residents. We do this by striving to be a trusted partner of the community and by employing officers with the highest qualifications and integrity. The City supports officers through extensive and ongoing training. Our officers at all levels of leadership have tools to de-escalate in chaotic situations, and these strategies consistently prove effective in protecting the safety of individuals, whether victim or offender.

Our officers take an oath of office to uphold laws and to keep our community safe. Their Oath of Honor reads: “I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution of the United States and the State of Wisconsin, and dedicate my service to the City of Eau Claire and the Eau Claire Police Department.” We will continue to do our best to follow federal laws and guidance, while working to maintain peace and trust locally.

Peaceful Protest 

Question:  What can I do about ICE being present in our community?

Answer:  It is recognized that many of our community members are concerned about ICE actions. ICE Agents are federal law enforcement officers enforcing federal law. Any action to actively impede or obstruct their efforts is unlawful and increases the safety risk for all involved. Lawful actions that residents may take are peaceful protest, voting, and/or exercising other protected First Amendment rights. Safeguarding people’s rights and ensuring public safety are core components of the Eau Claire Police Department’s mission.

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