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Justice Dept threatens sanctuary cities in immigration fight; Chris Abele weighs in
Justice Dept threatens sanctuary cities in immigration fight; Chris Abele weighs in
MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- Milwaukee County leaders are firing back at federal officials in the wake of a dispute on immigration policies.
The Trump administration intensified its threats to crack down on so-called sanctuary cities that refuse to comply with federal immigration authorities, warning nine jurisdictions Friday that they may lose coveted law enforcement grant money unless they document cooperation.
Warning letters went to officials in Milwaukee and all places the Justice Department's inspector general has identified as limiting the information local law enforcement can provide to federal immigration authorities about those in their custody.
CLICK HERE to read through the warning letters
Chris Abele
According to the release, nine jurisdictions across the country -- including Milwaukee County -- must provide proof they are not withholding information from immigration officials about undocumented immigrants. The release goes on to say, "Additionally, many of these jurisdictions are also crumbling under the weight of illegal immigration and violent crime."
At a news conference on Friday, April 21st, Abele and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm insisted they are in compliance with the law.
"What's so troubling about this press release is, here's the Department of Justice on their letterhead and this was deliberately leaked to the whole country. You have clearly misleading information. In the good faith reading for this press release, is immigration causes crime," Abele said.
"I'm puzzled why Milwaukee is on their radar for this issue, when we know that almost everybody that is arrested in Milwaukee County is brought to the sheriff's department," said Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm.
John Chisholm
Chisholm insists the county is in compliance, especially because Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke has said he welcomes a relationship with ICE agents.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke
Earlier this year, the County Board passed an anti-discrimination resolution that Abele then signed, which stated undocumented immigrants will be protected here.
The DOJ also said in a news release, "additionally, many of these jurisdictions are also crumbling under the weight of illegal immigration and violent crime."
"Immigrants and immigration are not the proximate cause of crime. Misinformation actually can have significant consequences," said Abele.
If the county fails to provide proof that it does follow the law, the DOJ says it can take away the Byrne justice assistance grant -- money that helps local law enforcement agencies investigate crimes and assist victims.
"Exactly how is the public served by taking away money that's directed for public safety," Abele said.
The release also states that grant money used to help law enforcement solve crimes and provide resources for victims could be in jeopardy if the jurisdictions are not in compliance. The county must provide proof from their attorneys by June 30th that it is in compliance with the law.
Abele released the following written statement earlier in response to a news release and accompanying letter sent by the U.S. Department of Justice:
Voces de la Frontera issued the following response from Executive Director Christine Neumann-Ortiz: