Local Officials Voice Concern Over Mass Deportation Plans

Frederica Freyberg:
With the Trump administration assuming office this coming Monday, the president-elect’s promises of mass deportations has some communities on high alert. Two Milwaukee alders raised concerns over a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on the northwest edge of the city meant to replace an aging facility downtown.

Jose Perez:
Although we are not certain what type of federal facility might be planned here for this location, or how vague some of this information is at times, I am firmly opposed to any expansion of ICE type detention services in the city of Milwaukee. People are scared. Kids are scared. This is the time to push back hard.

Frederica Freyberg:
For its part, the agency has said there are no plans for a detention center at that location.
In Dane County. Law enforcement let residents know their plans for interacting with immigrant populations.

Ismael Ozanne:
Increased fear of mass deportations has already inhibited some members of our most vulnerable populations from reporting their victimization to law enforcement. This reality perpetuates a cycle of violence and criminality that have a chilling effect on our entire community. Our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods become less safe when our neighbors and loved ones are afraid to report crimes and engage in our criminal justice system.