Milwaukee leaders brace for deportations
Much of Milwaukee’s undocumented community is on edge as President Donald Trump promised mass deportations.
MILWAUKEE – Much of Milwaukee’s undocumented community is on edge as President Donald Trump promised mass deportations.
ICE raids?
What we know:
Forward Latino held a news conference on Wednesday with elected officials and faith leaders to discuss issues in Wisconsin’s Hispanic Community.
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Alderwoman Jocasta Zamarippa said she’s spoken at length with Milwaukee’s police chief and his team. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have not happened in the city. But communities say they are dealing with fear and uncertainty.
What they’re saying:
“Those in the immigrant and undocumented community, be smart. Prepare yourselves and your families, have a plan,” Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez said. “That plan should consist of having emergency contacts, determining who could or should care for your children in case of emergency. And if you can’t, if you can’t afford a lawyer, consider retaining one if the situation warrants it.”
Trump’s agenda
What we know:
The instructions come as Trump’s promise of a mass deportation campaign looms. The president said his administration is working with speed and urgency to confront what he describes as a “crisis” at the border.
“Stay hopeful, stay prayerful,” Pérez said “And remember, we all have rights. Put the work in on the front end to protect those rights.”
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His immigration crackdown also includes an executive order ending birthright citizenship, which will likely face a legal battle.
“I encourage individuals to have copies of these important documents with them at all times,” said Israel Ramón, of Milwaukee County Registrar of Deeds.
The Trump administration has said those with a criminal history will be prioritized for arrest. But unauthorized immigrants with clean records could also be detained.
Local perspective:
“The most gut-wrenching call is when we get calls at the office from children asking us if their parents are going to be taken away,” said Forward Latino President Darryl Morin.
The other side:
FOX6 News also reached out to Republican Congressman Brian Steil and Sen. Ron Johnson for comment, but did not hear back.
Forward Latino news conference
Forward Latino held a news conference on Wednesday with elected officials and faith leaders to discuss issues in Wisconsin’s Hispanic Community.
The Source: FOX6 News attended the press conference.