WISCONSIN — An ICE enforcement action in Eau Claire County resulted in four individuals being taken into custody after three barricaded themselves inside a Town of Washington garage, according to the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding an enforcement action taking place in Eau Claire County.
ICE advised that agents would be at a construction site in the City of Altoona to locate and apprehend a suspect who had allegedly assaulted a law enforcement officer several days prior.
Upon arrival at the construction site, ICE agents attempted to apprehend the suspect. During the attempt, four individuals fled the location. One individual was immediately apprehended by ICE agents, while three others fled the scene and entered an occupied residence in the Town of Washington. They confronted the homeowner and then went into the garage. The homeowner locked the house door to the garage. The three individuals then barricaded the other garage doors.
The Sheriff’s Office responded to the crime of Criminal Trespass to Dwelling at the Town of Washington address. Deputies requested assistance from the Altoona Police Department. Law enforcement personnel spoke with the homeowner who wanted the individuals removed from the house. Law enforcement then made entry into the residence.
Deputies attempted verbal communication in an effort to gain voluntary compliance from the three individuals inside the garage. When those efforts were unsuccessful, Pepperball was deployed into the garage. Shortly thereafter, the three individuals surrendered without further incident.
All three individuals were turned over to ICE agents. In total, four individuals remain in ICE custody. No one was transported to the Eau Claire County Jail.
There were no reported injuries to the homeowner, law enforcement personnel, members of the public, or the suspects.
The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining public safety.
— Per Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office
Last Update: Feb 17, 2026 5:14 pm CST
