Oshkosh middle school teacher arrested by ICE, faces deportation

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) - An Oshkosh teacher who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement is in detention awaiting deportation.

According to ICE, agents arrested Wendy Mendez in Milwaukee on Oct. 14. ICE said she was allowed to come to the U.S. from Costa Rica on a temporary basis in August 2020 and was supposed to leave the country in February 2021.

In a statement to WBAY, the Department of Homeland Security said:

“On August 10, 2020, Mendez legally entered the United States on a temporary basis, but in violation of our laws, failed to depart by February 9, 2021. On February 18, 2026, she was placed into removal proceedings, and on September 9, was ordered removed by an immigration judge for failing to show up for her removal proceedings. She received due process and will remain in custody pending her removal from the United States.”

Friend disputes hearing notice

A friend of Mendez disputes the DHS account, saying on Facebook that the hearing notice was sent to a previous address from more than three years ago. She said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had the family’s new address within days of moving.

School district response

The Oshkosh Area School District website says Mendez is employed as a teaching assistant in the English Speakers of Other Languages program at Vel Phillips Middle School.

In 2025, Mendez was named an Oshkosh School District Employee of the Year.

The district called Mendez “an employee in good standing” and said she was placed on unpaid leave “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

“At no point was this a school safety or performance-related issue,” the district said. “Our primary focus remains on supporting our students and staff and keeping learning moving forward in our classrooms.”

Students at Vel Phillips Middle School were told Tuesday that she will not be returning to school for the foreseeable future, according to the district.

The district told Vel Phillips families that counselors and support staff are available for students.

The district told Vel Phillips families that counselors and support staff are available for students.

ICE statement

In a statement, Immigrations and Customs said “being in detention is a choice” and indicated Mendez won’t be allowed to return after she’s deported.

“The United States is offering illegal aliens $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S.”

Community reaction

Mushe Subulwa, a Vel Phillips parent, said his son thought Mendez was out sick before the district released official information Tuesday.

“I could see how students, how young people are also affected when they think about their teacher who they love is sick. When their teacher who they love is not in class, they are concerned. So my son was already concerned the last nine days or so. I can’t just imagine how they feel today if the school district has broken that news to them,” Subulwa said.

Community members said concerns are growing.

Molly Smiltneek, a local immigration attorney and advocate, said Mendez is “a very respected role model, who’s worked her way up in the school district, and is beloved amongst her coworkers and her students.”

Vigil planned

Advocates said a vigil, billed as “A Vigil for the Missing,” is planned for Oct. 30 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Oshkosh Opera House Square. Organizers described it as a peaceful place to process together.

“This vigil is not just for Wendy. This vigil is for me. This vigil is for my friends. This vigil is for all our students that have that humanity. We’re going to come together and cry together,” Subulwa said.

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