Milwaukee County is contemplating a new policy that could restrict federal immigration enforcement agents from using county parks as staging areas without prior approval. The move comes amidst growing concerns about increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in cities like Milwaukee.
A proposal, recently approved by the county’s Committee on Parks and Culture, suggests that any law enforcement agency, whether local, state, tribal, or federal, would need permission before utilizing parks or parkways as operational bases. Although ICE is not explicitly mentioned in the ordinance, the discussion among committee members heavily focused on the agency’s recent activities in neighboring regions such as Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Supporters of the measure acknowledge that its implementation might not completely deter ICE agents but believe it could serve as a foundation for legal actions against the agency. As Milwaukee County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez stated, the ordinance could provide “grounds to sue later on.”
Milwaukee County is responsible for managing over 150 parks and parkways, according to county records. Notably, the ordinance would not impede local police from regular patrolling or emergency responses in these areas. A violation of the proposed ordinance would incur a $100 fine.
Despite the proposal’s passage, some concerns about its enforceability remain. Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor, the sole dissenter in the vote, questioned the practical enforcement of the ordinance. He asked, “Let’s just say they ignore it … what is the ramification?”
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office typically does not handle permitting issues, as noted by Chief Deputy Brian Barkow. Supervisor Shawn Rolland echoed skepticism, suggesting that the current penalty might not deter federal agencies from staging in parks. He mentioned the possibility of amending the ordinance to increase fines, which could make legal actions more feasible.
The ordinance will next be considered by the Committee on Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and General Services, where discussions may include adjusting the fine amount. Rolland expressed support for such a change, stating, “If the fine is increased, that could make it worthwhile for our attorneys to file suits, if that’s necessary in the future.”
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on the ordinance in the coming month. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Common Council has launched a new website offering resources for residents concerned about potential federal immigration actions, including materials from the American Civil Liberties Union and legal support.
In a recent interview with PBS Wisconsin’s “Here & Now,” Darryl Morin, president of Forward Latino, voiced concerns about a potential large-scale ICE operation in Wisconsin. He highlighted that around 3,000 immigration agents are currently in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, with some already crossing into western Wisconsin. Morin emphasized the need for preparedness, saying, “It’s time for thoughtful preparation. It’s time for our governments and law enforcement agencies to prepare, and it’s time for people who may be at risk to prepare to put things in place.”
