Hammond Group Urges Council to Curb ICE Activity

The NWI Community Response Team seeks city protection amid rising reports of immigration enforcement in Hammond.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Immigration

Hammond Group Urges Council to Curb ICE Activity

Live Poll

Should local city councils enact resolutions to protect immigrant residents from federal immigration enforcement actions?

The NWI Community Response Team has called on the Hammond City Council to implement protections for residents following reports of increased immigration enforcement. The group raised concerns about targeted activity at local businesses and requested formal action from city officials.

Why it matters

Community members fear that residents are being singled out for detention based on their perceived immigration status or racial appearance. The appeal follows reports of immigration enforcement actions across the area, creating significant uncertainty for local families.

The NWI Community Response Team currently fields 15 active responders to monitor law enforcement activity. These efforts focus on areas such as the Walmart located at 1100 5th Avenue where increased ICE presence has been reported.

The players

NWI Community Response Team

This group documents local law enforcement activities and provides legal rights education to residents.

Thomas McDermott Jr.

He serves as the Mayor of Hammond and previously blocked the use of city property for ICE staging.

Hammond City Council

The local legislative body holds authority over municipal ordinances and policy responses to federal enforcement.

The details

The NWI Community Response Team documents law enforcement actions and educates families on their rights while using mobile license plate reading cameras to track locations. The team reported that workers at a local car wash were targeted on Sunday, while the Hammond Police Department noted an ICE agent previously filed a stalking allegation against a responder.

The NWI Community Response Team began operations in November 2025.
Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. refused to allow ICE to use city property in 2025.
Workers at a local car wash were reportedly targeted on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The NWI Community Response Team addressed the Hammond City Council on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The group will distribute information at the Hammond Central High School Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Political Context

The potential for the Indiana Attorney General to sue non-compliant municipalities complicates local efforts to adopt immigration protections. Any attempt by the Hammond City Council to restrict cooperation with federal officials faces substantial risk of state-level legal challenges.

Residents may see an increased presence of monitoring groups at local commercial sites and community events as tensions over enforcement rise. Those concerned about their legal rights or safety can access informational materials provided by community responders at upcoming public gatherings.

The takeaway

The tension between local community advocates and federal enforcement efforts highlights the ongoing difficulty of navigating conflicting state and local policies. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about their legal rights through verified community resources.

What happens next

The NWI Community Response Team is scheduled to distribute information at the Hammond Central High School Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, October 29, 2026.