Alderwoman Larresa Taylor has made a resolute statement, expressing her strong dissent against the proposed modifications for an ICE detention facility in Milwaukee's 9th Aldermanic District. The alterations under consideration are for a building at 11925 W. Lake Park Dr., which would include the addition of a sally port and a chain-link fence equipped with privacy slats—a setup tailored for transporting detainees, according to the City of Milwaukee.
In stark opposition, Taylor, backed by her colleagues, is actively seeking ways to counteract this move and has made it clear that the community she represents does not endorse the Department of Homeland Security's decision to modify a building within their borders for detaining individuals. "We do not support the Department of Homeland Security in their decision to move into our district, and we definitely do not support any such modifications to any building in our district," Taylor stated in a document obtained by the City of Milwaukee's official website.
The district, which previously had a 32-bed youth detention facility imposed on them without proper representation, stands united in their endeavors to prevent the establishment of another detention center—emphasizing that they now have a voice in the matter. Taylor went on to stress the importance of community awareness and engagement, leading her to organize a press conference for further discussion and mobilization against the facility, as reported by the City of Milwaukee.
Taylor invited impact-concerned organizations to a press conference held outside the would-be detention center; this gathering took place yesterday with the objective to further publicize her district's stance on the issue and rally broader city support, the Alderwoman announced, "Milwaukee's 9th Aldermanic District will no longer be Wisconsin's dumping ground for detention facilities," as per the City of Milwaukee. It appears that Taylor and her constituents are not only challenging this particular federal action but are also conveying a broader statement about the respect and autonomy they expect for their community.
