'ICE Out MKE' resolution banning immigration enforcement on city property passes first hearing unanimously
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Common Council had its first hearing for the "ICE Out MKE" legislative package. About a dozen pieces of legislation are expected in the next month, reportedly aimed at keeping residents safe.
The Steering and Rules Committee on March 9 unanimously approved the resolution prohibiting the use of city property for immigration enforcement activities. Alders pointed to immigration enforcement in Minneapolis as motivation to make sure the city of Milwaukee is prepared, in case something similar were to surge here:
"We cannot do everything, but we are going to do everything we can to keep our folks safe," said Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa.
The resolution states, "No city-owned or controlled parking lot, ramp, vacant lot, park, or garage shall be used as a staging area, processing location, or operations base for civil immigration enforcement actions."
Common Council President José Pérez said, "We have a responsibility to make sure what we adopt is legally sound and achievable."
That's why the city attorney was at the meeting, available to answer questions about the legality of the resolution. Ald. Zamarripa said she worked closely with the attorney, making changes so it's enforceable.
"It's just saying any immigration enforcement activities can’t occur on these properties. And that is legal, enforceable, and true."
It now goes to the full Common Council Tuesday, March 24.
Just last month, the Milwaukee County Board adopted a measure also aimed at regulating how immigration officers could operate in the county.
It requires law enforcement agencies to get a permit before they can use Milwaukee County parks as staging areas or face a fine up to $5,000.
"City and county-level actions are building off one another to protect community members from dangerous situations created by ICE. As local elected officials, we have the power to prevent scenarios in which federal agents are threatening the health and safety of our residents, and let people in Milwaukee know that there is a unified front to keep them safe and out of harm's way," shared Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Caroline Gomez-Tom.
The first items in the "ICE Out MKE" legislative package were approved by the Common Council last week, saying the City of Milwaukee stands against ICE, and also asking the Milwaukee Police Department to be on the side of residents instead of federal agents.
There are several more pieces of legislation expected in the coming month.