Clay County Sheriff Will Akin has debunked recent social media reports claiming that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were conducting door-to-door operations in the Kansas City Northland area in January 2026, labeling the claims as false and based on altered images.

Sheriff Akin responded after a series of photos began circulating online, causing widespread concern among local residents. According to Akin, a thorough review was conducted in coordination with local and federal law enforcement partners. “There was no law enforcement activity in the area at the alleged time,” he confirmed. A spokesperson from the Gladstone Police Department also stated that their officers had not been notified of any such ICE activity, nor had they witnessed anything unusual during patrols.

Akin expressed skepticism over the authenticity of the photos fueling the rumors. He detailed a list of discrepancies, including the presence of light bars on vehicles that were supposed to be unmarked, police-style wheels without proper markings, and untinted front windows—an uncommon feature for interceptor-style SUVs.

He also noted inconsistencies in uniforms, pointing out that while some individuals displayed badges and shoulder patches, others did not, making it unlikely they belonged to the same agency. The sheriff further highlighted that the location of vehicles changed between photos, and the images were posted simultaneously, suggesting potential manipulation. “Pictures were posted at the same time with urgency. Surely the vehicles didn’t move that quickly,” Akin remarked.

Additional red flags included the lack of snow on the ground, despite single-digit temperatures in the area, and the absence of cold-weather gear on some individuals in the pictures. Operations of this nature, Akin explained, typically involve more than four people, whereas only four individuals appeared in the images. There was also no corroboration from neighbors or any other eyewitnesses on the street.

In his official social media statement, Sheriff Akin addressed the anxiety caused by the viral posts: “I’ve seen the pictures circulating online that have caused major concern in our community. I understand why images like these can create anxiety, especially when there’s uncertainty about who is involved and why.”

He called on residents to pause before sharing unconfirmed claims and to rely only on verified information from trusted sources. “Our community is strongest when we look out for one another and respond with facts, calm, and care,” he added.

Sheriff Akin also invited the original poster or anyone with direct knowledge of the alleged incident to come forward so he could investigate further and provide a transparent report. Until then, he emphasized, the claims remain unsubstantiated and should not be a source of fear in the community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte and Platte County Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker call on Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to withdraw his invitation for illegal migrants to come to the Kansas City area.

The commissioners sent a joint statement to mayor Lucas about his comments

The commissioners sent a joint statement to the mayor last weekend admonishing him for the comment and urging him to withdraw that invitation.

Last week, Mayor Lucas made comments that all migrants are welcome in Kansas City. Which spurred Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to issue a letter reminding the mayor that Lucas state law prohibits companies from hiring immigrants without employment permits and transporting illegal aliens to the state.

Lucas then clarified his statement by saying Kansas City is interested in bringing migrants with lawful work permits.

The commissioners also called on the mayor to move on a resolution that would affirm to the state that Kansas City will not become a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants.

The commissioners feel a vast influx of undocumented workers would have a detrimental influence on their counties.

“The Mayor of New York City puts the cost of their migrant crisis at $12 billion by the Summer of 2025,” wrote Nolte on social media. “Our cost will not only fall on Kansas City, but citizens across Clay County and the metropolitan area with no say on this policy. A massive influx of migrants will inevitably impact surrounding areas like the Northland and increase the strain on an already serious housing crisis and services for citizens like law enforcement, education, social services and health care systems.”

Brian Watts contributed to this story.