Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of 24 individuals in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, who are suspected of being in the country illegally and having connections to a transnational human trafficking and drug trafficking ring. The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation that took place on September 25, 2025.
The investigation was initiated after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) gathered information while interviewing victims, including children, affected by the trafficking and drug network. The operation was conducted jointly by ICE, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“While interviewing victims—many of whom were children— of a human trafficking and drug trafficking ring, ICE identified multiple illegal aliens. In total, ICE arrested 24 illegal aliens including those convicted of sexually assaulting a child, hit and run, DUI, identity theft, and possession of narcotic equipment,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump and Secretary Noem are dismantling transnational criminal networks and putting the safety of American children FIRST.”
Among those arrested were individuals previously removed from the United States or convicted of various crimes such as sexual assault of a child, identity theft, hit and run offenses, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, failure to appear in court, and possession of narcotic equipment.
ICE stated that its law enforcement efforts continue to focus on protecting communities from individuals involved in criminal activity related to immigration violations. Victims impacted by crimes committed by illegal aliens can seek assistance through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office by calling 1-855-488-6423.
