Within the last few months, numerous suspected sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been reported in Michiana, particularly South Bend and Elkhart. The primary source of these sightings have little credibility due to vague photos, generalized descriptions and mass sharing on social media. While spreading awareness and news on social media is the one of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay updated and encourage safety within the community, it is easy for people to be misinformed. In a time like this where marginalized communities are at risk of violence and separation, it is extremely important to share credible and informed information.
In Dec. 2025, one of the many false sightings was posted on Facebook. The post claimed ICE was located in Fort Wayne, specifically near the Civic Center. However, details of the event were vague, leading residents to believe ICE was near the Civic Center in Elkhart. Crucial details like specific locations and descriptions being left out while informing the community leads to immense fear and unrest, especially in an environment where people feel uneasy leaving their homes, resulting in absences from school, work and other responsibilities.
Within a lot of these sightings, people have described seeing certain cars like black SUVs, and general law enforcement. Because it is easy to mistake local police and state troopers for ICE, an important aspect of being informed is to know how to correctly identify an officer. A common characteristic of ICE agents are clothes that appear “normal,” meaning plain clothes you would see someone wearing off-duty. While they can dress without identifying uniforms, many wear camouflage and black vests with bold lettering on the back, often saying “ICE” or “POLICE.” Because there are nearly no limitations to being a part of ICE, many agents wear identity-blocking coverings like glasses, hats and masks. Legitimate police officers will almost always appear in marked cars and will identify themselves (via. badge) as well as their agency. The official U.S Marshals Service states that if it is suspected that an officer is in an unmarked car, it is within your right to request additional help.
In an interview with WSBT’s Bob Montgomery, the mayor of South Bend, James Mueller, discussed ICE’s potential presence in the area. He claims they are not in South Bend and rumors have led people to believe so. If ICE were to operate in the Michiana area, it is unlikely we would get a heads-up. Mueller states, “We are complying with state and federal laws here in South Bend. We believe there may be some constitutional rights that are being violated, and of course, we hope our justice system can hold those perpetrators to account.”…