The Milwaukee Common Council announced on Feb. 26 that it has introduced the ICE Out Milwaukee legislative package, according to a statement from the council.
The legislative package includes a resolution to prohibit federal law enforcement agencies from using city property for immigration enforcement activities and a proposal requiring law enforcement officers to be unmasked and display identification while interacting with the public. Urban Milwaukee reported that council members Pérez, Zamarripa, Dimitrijevic, Brower, Coggs, Moore, Bauman, Stamper II, Taylor, and Burgelis sponsored the package after community discussions on immigration matters in the city.
According to Urban Milwaukee, local progressive groups such as Milwaukee Turners and Voces de la Frontera praised the ICE Out Milwaukee package. Milwaukee Turners is described as a “social justice” organization that promotes community diversity and fights oppression and injustice. Their website features a training program designed to help immigrants, refugees, and undocumented people understand their rights and access resources from organizations like the Immigrant Defense Project and immigration attorneys.
Days before the announcement of ICE Out Milwaukee, Alderman Alex Brower issued a press release highlighting strong turnout at a city town hall meeting on February 2 focused on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to Urban Milwaukee’s coverage of Brower’s press release, he provided resources including contacts, trainings, events, and organizations supporting efforts discussed at the meeting. One event listed was a Faith, Unity, and Community Gathering held on February 8 at the Islamic Society of Milwaukee Community Center featuring Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar.
Fauzia Qureshi, executive director of host organizations Wisconsin Muslim Civic Foundation and Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance for that event said Omar would be joined by other local leaders in “a show of unity at a time when communities are feeling the weight of rising intimidation, political violence and fear, especially our Black, brown, immigrant, refugee and Muslim communities.” According to Rep. Ilhan Omar’s official House website she has called for abolishing ICE: “We cannot allow a federal agency—one that was created for one purpose to terrorize—to function as an occupying force in our communities.”
The Milwaukee Common Council consists of 15 members elected from separate districts. The current Council President is José G. Pérez representing the 12th District. The council enacts ordinances; approves budgets; oversees city initiatives; maintains standing committees including Community and Economic Development; Finance and Personnel; Judiciary and Legislation; Licenses; Public Safety and Health; Public Works; Steering and Rules; Zoning Neighborhoods and Development—and serves as the legislative branch of city government according to its official website.
