ICE ramps up enforcement in Indianapolis, sparking a fierce rebuke from Mayor Joe Hogsett. The city demands transparency as federal raids proceed without notice.
Mayor Hogsett Slams Lack of Transparency
In a memo dated September 3, 2026, Hogsett condemned federal agents for conducting raids without notifying his office or providing procedural details. He said the lack of communication creates confusion and fear among residents.
The memo states that Indianapolis has witnessed a surge in ICE activity, carried out without advance notice to the mayor’s office and without transparency about procedures and intent. Since the operations began, his office has repeatedly requested information that federal authorities have refused to provide.
City Demands Due Process and Communication
The mayor pledged that Indianapolis will continue to demand transparency, due process, and clear communication from federal officials. He emphasized the city’s responsibility to protect families and maintain community trust.
He emphasized that the city’s responsibility is to protect families and maintain community trust, urging federal practices that respect the dignity of all residents. The city will not tolerate actions that undermine public safety.
Case Spotlight: Isidro Gonzalez‑Candido
Hogsett’s criticism comes amid a separate criminal case involving Isidro Gonzalez‑Candido, who faces charges of child molestation, kidnapping, and criminal confinement. The suspect has no prior criminal record.
Police and Fox59 report that Gonzalez‑Candido allegedly used scissors to cut a window screen and abducted a seven‑year‑old girl from her bedroom. The girl told investigators that he molested her.
The girl told investigators that he molested her; family members discovered her at his home, where officers found the child unclothed and the suspect naked. The incident has left the child’s life permanently altered.
Gonzalez‑Candido has no prior criminal record, a fact Democrats cite as a reason to oppose his detention, though the child’s life is now permanently altered. He remains jailed without bond, with a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday.
ICE Rights Guidance
The memo also reminds undocumented individuals of their rights, advising them to stay calm, not to flee, to request a judicial warrant before allowing entry, and to seek legal counsel. Officials stress that cooperation with lawful procedures protects both residents and agents.
