Families speak out after ICE detentions in Milwaukee; city weighs legal action
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Immigration enforcement activity has increased in Milwaukee, prompting emotional pleas from families and renewed criticism from local leaders.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, 39 people were detained during enforcement operations in Wisconsin over the weekend. On Tuesday, family members, witnesses and elected officials gathered to speak about several of the arrests.
"This does not make our city safer," said Milwaukee Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic. "It does the opposite."
One witness described an arrest Friday near 23rd Street and Greenfield Avenue, where she said federal agents broke a vehicle window before removing a woman from the car.
"There were kids crying," said witness Jacqueline Eckstrom. "There are shards of glass everywhere with two kids in the backseat."
Later that day, Luis Manuel Valle Gonzalez was detained near Greenfield Avenue and 15th Street. His sister said he suffers from serious kidney problems and, to her knowledge, has been without his medication.
The following day, Estenderly Marte Polanco was detained near 26th Street and Mitchell Street. Her fiancé alleged agents used excessive force during the arrest.
"Heartbreaking for all of us," he said. "They pulled us over masked, busted her lip, they choked her."
On Sunday, Reyna Elizabeth Garcia and her brother, Teodoro, were also detained. Garcia's fiancé, who was also detained, said he was released because he has a valid work permit, which he said Reyna also possesses.
Voces de la Frontera told CBS 58 many of those detained were asylum seekers and claimed an "overwhelming majority" do not have criminal records.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security encouraged individuals in the country unlawfully to self-deport and "come back the right legal way to live the American Dream."
Milwaukee officials also alleged federal agents violated local ordinances by staging vehicles at Milwaukee Police District 2 and at a city park, and by wearing face coverings.
"It's the law in the City of Milwaukee," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. "People should obey the law and people should be held to account."
Milwaukee city and county officials said they are exploring legal action against ICE over the alleged ordinance violations.
DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis in a statement said they "will not abide by unconstitutional bans. The Supremacy Clause makes it clear that Milwaukee’s sanctuary politicians do not control federal law enforcement."