Peoria, IL – Police in Peoria are clarifying reports of an alleged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation on SW Washington Street Tuesday morning, saying the rumors are false and the activity was part of a planned law enforcement training.
According to the Peoria Police Department, officers received community concerns on November 4, 2025, after ICE was reportedly seen near 813 SW Washington, particularly in the alley behind the building. However, police confirmed that the activity involved agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and members of the Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, who were conducting a scheduled training exercise.
Formed in April 2023, the task force works to combat gun violence in Peoria and includes representatives from the ATF, FBI, Peoria Police Department, Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Department of Corrections Parole Unit. Officials stressed that ICE is not part of this group and was not present during the exercise.
The department also reminded residents that under the Illinois TRUST Act, local police are prohibited from participating in federal immigration enforcement operations.
To prevent confusion in the future, Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria said the department will provide public notice before future off-site training and post visible signage at training locations.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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