Attorneys, Milwaukee city leaders share immigration information with concerned overflow crowd

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Amid growing concern and uncertainty over immigration policy in the first weeks of the Trump administration, hundreds of people packed a south side Milwaukee library to learn more about their legal rights.

On Wednesday, Jan. 29, Milwaukee city leaders joined immigration attorneys, police and fire officials, and representatives from the Mexican consulate to share important information with Milwaukee’s immigrant community.

This meeting filled so quickly the library had to open a movable wall to let more people in.

People are afraid, unsure of what could happen, and if they or their families could be impacted by ramped-up immigration policing.

City leaders want them to be prepared.

Cain Oulahan is an immigration attorney and policy advisor who works with Forward Latino. He told us, "They're very concerned, and they're taking this very seriously."

Milwaukee Common Council President, Alderman Jose Perez, told us, "We want people to have good information as they make decisions."

As immigration enforcement ramps up around the country, many immigrants —undocumented, legal, and mixed status families— are worried.

Oulahan said, "People worried about what might happen. To them, to their families, especially people with children born in the United States."

Wednesday's meeting encouraged people who may be impacted to start forming a plan.

Perez said, "Whether it's power of attorney, instructions for your children, being engaged with a lawyer, know what to say, when to say it."

More than 300 people packed all corners of the Mitchell Street Library. Many filmed the meeting for people who stayed home.

The meeting was held largely in Spanish with some English.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson told the crowd, "Everybody who's affected by the change in administration and their immigration policies, will be treated with dignity and will be treated with respect."

Representatives from MPD shared the department’s policy on immigration, which leaves policing to federal authorities, not local officers.

But despite reassurances, many families are changing the way they live.

Perez told us, "People are scared. We have folks not sending their kids to school."

And community leaders are worried people may avoid essential services out of fear of consequences.

Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski told the audience, "We beg you, if anybody is sick or injured or something is on fire, do not fear the Milwaukee Fire Department."

But many people in the US legally are also afraid.

Perez said, "We hear rumors that people are swept up in some of these detentions that are citizens."

Which is why they want everyone to be ready.

Oulahan said, "We want people to be prepared for whatever might be coming their way. Just have a plan of action."

Oulahan said there are many immigration organizations that can help people, but he said people should check them out first to make sure they're reputable. He said there are a lot of immigration scams right now.

Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa said the city is looking into holding more of these resource meetings because the response was so strong.