The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its activity and presence in the Milwaukee area over the past few days.
ICE agents arrested 39 people over the weekend, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson. TMJ4 reported on this and said the agents will not comply with Milwaukee’s mask ban ordinance.
Milwaukee Common Council Members condemned the activity and said it’s being done “under the guise of ‘lawful’ federal immigration enforcement” in a statement released on June 30.
“We now have laws in place in Milwaukee that prohibit the use of masks for any law enforcement in our city,” said Milwaukee Common Council Members in a statement. “We believe that all law enforcement should be identifiable to the public and unmasked at all times, and we are requesting that Milwaukee Police and the Office of the City Attorney take the necessary steps to enforce these laws and to immediately address any observed violations.”
Milwaukee Common Council Members listed in the joint statement:
- Alderman Alex Brower
- Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt
- Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr.
- Alderwoman Larresa Taylor
- Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore
- Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic
The statement from Milwaukee Common Council Members said that anyone with immigration emergencies or ICE sightings can call the Voces de la Frontera 24/7 Bilingual Emergency Hotline at 1-800-427-0213.
Milwaukee Common Council Members said that they are doing everything they can to stop ICE from using city property for any activities.
“Together, we can stand up to ICE and help make Milwaukee a shining example of lawful and moral resistance to federal terror and tyranny,” Milwaukee Common Council Members said.
In the joint statement, the council members say, “community organizations are telling us that most of those who are being taken by ICE have no criminal record.”
Online resources listed in the statement:
- https://www.aclu-wi.org/request-legal-assistance/
- https://www.milwaukeeturners.org/know-your-rights
- https://vdlf.org/know-your-rights/immigrant-rights/
- Information on immigration rights is available through the City of Milwaukee’s “Know Your Rights & Resources” website.