MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Several Milwaukee food truck operators plan to gather at City Hall Thursday morning, April 30, to rally against proposed restrictions that could take a big bite out of their business.

To cut down on late night violence, city alders are debating a cutback on the hours the trucks can operate.

But owners say they are not the problem.

'Protect the Tacos' is the catchy slogan one advocate shared. He said food truck operators feel like they're being taken advantage of, and they're having a hard time advocating for themselves.

Michael Jaekels told us, "They're just scared. They're scared, they don't know what to do, they feel like they're being picked on."

Jaekels often goes to the food trucks on Water Street after his late-night gigs wrap up. He loves the good food, low prices and hardworking people who make it happen.

So, it was an easy decision when they asked him to help them organize.

On Tuesday night, several food truck owners met to discuss strategy as the city considers cutting back the hours they can operate.

The cutback is the council's attempt to curb the sometimes-deadly violence on Water Street, which Jaekels acknowledges. "Every year it's gotten more chaotic outside the bars. There have been more fights."

Jaekels said he understands the concern and says keeping downtown safe is important.

On Wednesday, April 29, Alderman Bob Bauman pushed for a study on creating a secure perimeter around entertainment districts.

Bauman said in the meeting, "The trend we're on with the violence on Water Street is very, very concerning."

The nearby Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) supports restricting hours. About 300 MSOE students live on the corner of Water and Juneau.

Earlier this month, a property owner representing MSOE spoke in favor of restricting hours, but he also acknowledged food trucks are not responsible for the violence.

Kendall Breunig said, "The food trucks are not the problem, it's the crowds that gather around them."

Jaekels is against limiting their earning potential, "I bet you a million dollars that if you ban every single one of these food trucks, there is still going to be a block party here every single weekend this summer."

And food truck operators are already paying the city, $150 for a mobile seller's license, plus a food peddler's license.

"There are a lot of people struggling right now," Jaekels said. "Why are you going to make it harder for people who are providing a service to their community that a lot of people value and a lot of people cherish?"

Thursday's Milwaukee Public Safety and Health Committee meeting starts at 9 a.m. The food truck operators and advocates are gathering at City Hall at 8 a.m.

Michael Jaekels said they want a productive and respectful opportunity to be heard.