Oshkosh, Wis. – Wendy Mendez, a Spanish teacher at Vel Phillips Middle School, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Oct. 14 and is now awaiting removal from the United States. The Oshkosh Area School District confirmed that Mendez remains an employee in good standing but has been placed on an unpaid leave of absence due to the unforeseen circumstances surrounding her detention.
Immigration background
According to ICE, Mendez entered the country legally on a temporary basis on Aug. 10, 2020. She failed to depart by the required deadline of Feb. 9, 2021, and was placed into removal proceedings on Feb. 18, 2026. After missing a scheduled immigration hearing, an immigration judge ordered her removal on Sept. 9, 2026. ICE says she received due process and will stay in custody pending her removal.
District response
The district issued a statement noting that the leave is not related to school safety or performance. “Our primary focus remains on supporting our students and staff and keeping learning moving forward in our classrooms,” the district said, emphasizing that the matter is being handled under applicable privacy regulations.
Alleged mailing error
Friends of Mendez claim a mailing error contributed to the missed hearing. A Facebook post by Deb Nez, who identifies herself as Mendez’s friend, alleges that the court sent the notice to an old address, despite USCIS having updated the address days after the family moved. Nez says lawyers have presented proof of the error to the immigration court and that a motion was accepted, leaving the final decision to a judge.
Nez also reported that Mendez has been transferred through six detention facilities in eight days, spanning Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas. She says Mendez was told she would be sent to Costa Rica, but her attorney maintains she has a stay of removal in place.
ICE self‑deportation offer
ICE public messaging encourages illegal immigrants to use the CBP Home App to arrange voluntary departure, offering $3,000 and a free flight. The agency states that those who do not take advantage of the program risk arrest and removal without a chance to return.
Trump administration’s immigration stance
The current administration has repeatedly stressed the importance of enforcing immigration laws to protect American workers, families, and communities. By prioritizing the removal of individuals who overstay visas or violate removal orders, the administration aims to uphold the rule of law and safeguard public safety.
Community reaction
Local residents and parents have expressed mixed reactions. Some emphasize the need for strict enforcement of immigration statutes, while others voice concern for the impact on a teacher and her family. The school district has not commented further, citing confidentiality.
FOX 11 continues to follow the story and will update readers as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
