FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Tension gripped the air inside the Grand Wayne Center this Saturday, but by the time the crowds left, the message was clear: knowledge is power, and panic is not a strategy.
As federal immigration enforcement ramps up nationwide under the Trump administration, fear has trickled down to local neighborhoods. In response, Fort Wayne city officials and legal experts gathered for a critical educational forum to separate fact from fiction. The goal was simple—clarify what local police will and won’t do, and explain exactly what rights residents have if they encounter federal agents.
City Limits Cooperation with Federal Agents
Mayor Sharon Tucker took the stage with a firm but compassionate tone. She addressed the elephant in the room immediately, clarifying the city’s legal position regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“My office and local government do not have jurisdiction over immigration matters,” Tucker told the diverse crowd packed into Convention Hall A. “It is a federal government issue.”
However, she drew a sharp line in the sand regarding local involvement. Tucker emphasized that while the city cannot stop ICE from doing its job, Fort Wayne’s resources will not be used to do their bidding.
Key takeaways from City Officials:
- No Deputization: Local police officers are not ICE agents.
- Jurisdiction: The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) does not enforce civil immigration laws.
- Safety First: Calling 911 for emergencies should never be a source of fear for any resident, regardless of status.
Police Chief P.J. Smith and Fire Chief Eric Lahey backed the mayor’s sentiments. They reassured attendees that their departments are focused on public safety, not deportation. Chief Smith noted that when officers respond to a crash or a crime, their priority is the safety of the individuals involved, not checking papers.
“I Don’t Want Fort Wayne to Become a War Zone”
While officials handled policy, local immigration attorney Jerri Mead tackled the personal reality of the situation. Mead, who has spent decades navigating the complex web of naturalization laws, did not sugarcoat the urgency of the moment.
“I just don’t want Fort Wayne to become a war zone,” Mead said in a candid interview following the event.
During her presentation, Mead provided a “know your rights” synopsis that silenced the room. She walked attendees through specific scenarios—what to do if agents knock on your door, and how to handle stops in public spaces.
Her advice focused on de-escalation and legal protection:
- Private Property: You have the right to deny entry unless agents have a warrant signed by a judge.
- Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions about your citizenship status without a lawyer present.
- Documentation: Never provide false documents.
Mead’s passion for the city was evident. “I love this community. Everybody. I don’t care what color you are, what language you speak, or where you come from. I love Fort Wayne,” she said.
Community Stands United Against Fear
The forum attracted a wide cross-section of the city. Students, business owners, and families filled the seats, reflecting the diverse fabric of Fort Wayne. The atmosphere shifted from anxiety to cautious optimism as the session progressed.
Mead noted the importance of this unity. “When everybody is just trying to work together and keep each other safe, and you’re sitting there thinking, ‘Man, this was easy.’ I am happy,” she said.
Outside the convention center, the mood has been more vocal. In recent weeks, students and community activists have staged walkouts and protests across the city. These demonstrations oppose the broader federal crackdown, which many feel targets the most vulnerable members of the workforce and community.
Navigating State and Federal Pressures
The local forum comes at a time when the political landscape is shifting beneath the city’s feet. While Mayor Tucker pledged non-interference, state-level discussions in Indiana have previously floated the idea of forcing tougher compliance on local municipalities.
This creates a delicate balancing act for Fort Wayne. The administration must follow the law while maintaining the trust of its immigrant population. Mayor Tucker hinted at this pressure but remained steadfast in her “people-focused” approach.
“I want to be in position to ease the burden of fear,” Tucker said. “I want residents to know that I will listen to you, I will fight for you, and I will work for you every day.”
As the forum concluded, the takeaway for many was not just about legal statutes, but about community cohesion. The message from the podium was that while federal winds may shift, Fort Wayne intends to remain a neighborly city where safety comes first.
The uncertainty of the coming months is real. But for one Saturday morning, the city chose education over silence.
What are your thoughts on how local cities should handle federal immigration pressure? Share your opinion in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #FortWayneUnited.
