This browser does not support the Video element.
ICE facility proposed for northwest side
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed to open an Immigration and Customs Enforcement enforcement facility on Milwaukee's northwest side.
What we know:
MILWAUKEE - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed to open an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement facility on Milwaukee's northwest side.
New ICE facility proposed
What we know:
In city documents obtained by FOX6 News, a plan for the facility has been in the works since at least spring 2023. At first, about half of the building would be leased to the federal government for "processing of immigrants."
Proposed site for new ICE facility
The documents say the facility would be for non-detained people checking in as well as for processing detainees who are heading to detection facilities.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
The documents also reveal this would be the main southeast Wisconsin office for 29 people – immigration officers and staff. There would be regular hours – usually until 5 p.m.
Proposed site for new ICE facility
The plans FOX6 News reviewed showed an eight-foot chain link fence in the parking lot with privacy slats. There would also be a sallyport – a secure entrance used for transporting people in custody.
What they're saying:
"I am firmly opposed to any expansion of ice type detention services in the City of Milwaukee. People are scared. Kids are scared. This is the time to push back hard," said Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez.
"I am amazed by the efforts of this government that thinks that district nine, or this state, can be a place that they can use as a dumping ground for ICE detention center," said Anita Johnson, Milwaukee African American Roundtable board member. "We don't want families split up. We don't want ICE in this state period."
This browser does not support the Video element.
Milw ICE detention facility proposed, leaders offer reaction
Milw ICE detention facility proposed, leaders offer reaction
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android
"We are a district that has tremendous potential, but that doesn't mean that we're going to accept any and everything, and it certainly doesn't mean that we're going to allow someone to just come into our district without warning or without knowledge," said Milwaukee Alderwoman Larresa Taylor.
What's next:
Right now, Homeland Security, which includes ICE, rents space from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). It is located in downtown Milwaukee – at Broadway and Knapp. FOX6 News learned the college has other plans for the site.
More reaction
Milwaukee County Supervisors Juan Miguel Martínez, Caroline Gómez-Tom, and Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, along with Supervisors Justin Bielinski, Jack Eckblad, Anne O’Connor, Shawn Rolland, Sky Z. Capriolo, Sequanna Taylor, Willie Johnson Jr., and 2nd Vice Chair Priscilla E. Coggs-Jones
"This is not just a building; it represents a system that thrives on fear and perpetuates the suffering of families who are the backbone of our community." the coalition stated. "According to the Institution of Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), undocumented immigrants contribute over $198 million annually to the state of Wisconsin in state and local tax dollars. This is in addition to the countless millions generated through their small businesses, essential labor, and cultural contributions. Our city thrives because of their presence and contributions—not in spite of them.
"Building a facility designed to detain and deport these individuals is a direct attack on Milwaukee County’s values and priorities. It is unconscionable to support a facility that profits from tearing families apart and turning human lives into commodities. The trauma inflicted by ICE’s actions reverberates far beyond the individuals detained—it tears at the fabric of entire families, neighborhoods, and communities. Parents are separated from their children, workers are removed from their jobs, and dreams are shattered, leaving behind a legacy of fear and instability."
Labor Council President Pam Fendt
"The Milwaukee Area Labor Council does not support proposals to enact massive deportation efforts. We stand with workers in the community."
The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.