The Department of Homeland Security has released plans to relocate a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office from Milwaukee’s downtown to the city’s northwest side, sparking an outcry from the district and Democratic legislators.
The proposal calls for the downtown office at 310 East Knapp St. to be moved to 11925 West Lake Park Dr. in Milwaukee’s 9th District. The plans also propose modifications to an existing building on the city’s northwest side, including a sally port and a chain-link fence with privacy slots.
Ald. Larresa Taylor, who represents the 9th Aldermanic District in Milwaukee, called the proposed detention facility a “very alarming development” in a statement.
“I want District 9, and the rest of the city, to know that we do not support the Department of Homeland Security in their decision to move into our district, and we definitely do not support any such modifications to any building in our district (as a location to house prisoners!),” said Taylor.
In light of the proposal, Ald. Taylor, Rep. Russell Antionio Godwin Sr. (D-District 12) and Sen. Dora Drake (D-District 4) held an afternoon press conference on Jan. 15 near the existing building where the proposed facility would undergo modifications, pending approval. The purpose of the press conference was to inform the residents of the proposal.
“I commend Alderwoman Taylor for her leadership in bringing attention to this issue and ensuring the community is informed,” said Rep. Godwin. “Decisions like this must include input from the people who live here, and we need to prioritize development that uplifts, not divides, our neighborhoods.”
The district and respective community leaders’ outcry spread to Madison when Democratic legislators in the State Assembly and Senate introduced legislation combating ICE on Jan. 28. The effort was led by Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-District 8) and Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-District 3) to “empower Wisconsin’s schools, places of worship, and other locations in light of recent immigration actions taken by ICE and the federal government.”
“We seek to prevent the misuse of power by those who would prey on our community,” said Rep. Moore Omokunde in a press release. Omokunde has represented Assembly District 17 since 2021.
In addition to the calls for empowering Wisconsin establishments, the legislation looks to prevent local government workers and law enforcement officers from assisting in the detaining of immigrants and refugees across the state. It comes at a time of increased aggression from ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies since the inauguration of President Trump.
Legislative Republicans countered the Democratic-led bill with proposed immigration legislation that would do the opposite. The legislation put forth by Republicans would penalize law enforcement agencies that do not comply with ICE operations.
“For years, we have asked local communities and law enforcement to do more with fewer resources,” said Rep. Angelina Cruz (D-District 62) in a statement. “It is deeply troubling that some would now threaten to cut funding from vital services for a political stunt.”
Cruz has a personal connection to immigration policy because her grandparents were migrants that settled in Racine as farm workers.
“You can’t claim to love this country-a nation built by immigrants-while simultaneously attacking those same immigrants,” Cruz said.
According to a press release from the Department of Homeland Security, 32,809 arrests have been made by ICE in the first 50 days of President Trump’s second administration compared to 33,242 arrests in the entire 2024 fiscal year.