The Milwaukee County Board has made a clear statement against the fear instilled by recent ICE arrests at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. With a resolution that reaffirms justice, safety, and equitable access, the Board, led by Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, Supervisor Caroline Gómez-Tom, and Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez, passed the resolution with a significant majority. The board's decision, with a resounding 17 ayes and one abstention, reflects their commitment to the community, as reported by the news release obtained by Milwaukee County.
A sense of safety and accessibility has been evasive for those who've interacted with the courthouse amidst immigration enforcement actions. By issuing a resolution, Milwaukee officials have aimed to reinstate a sense of protection. "Our Courthouse should be a symbol of fairness, not fear," Chairwoman Nicholson said. Her words signal a move toward redefined sanctuary within the judicial system, to restore the courthouse as a place of impartiality, where "Know Your Rights" materials serve more than just a dispenser of information but as a bridge to empowerment. According to the Milwaukee County news release, Nicholson emphasized, "That’s how we build a justice system worthy of the name."
Emphasizing the importance of the resolution, Supervisor Gómez-Tom touched on the imperative of community members feeling safe to utilize the Courthouse as intended. "Community members feeling safe to utilize the Courthouse as intended is our top priority — whether that’s attending a hearing, seeking resources, or supporting a loved one," Gómez-Tom stated. The resolution she co-authored articulates a mission to uphold dignity and due process while mitigating the climate of fear that can deter the public from engaging with judicial proceedings, as stated by the Milwaukee County.
Not one to stand idle when residents' rights are on the line, Supervisor Martinez shared his perspective on the impact of ICE activities within the community. "What happened recently shook our community," Martinez conveyed, adding that the resolution sends a clear message in support of justice, fairness, and safety. There's an echoed commitment throughout Milwaukee County to not only repair but also to reinforce the trust and sense of belonging among its citizens.
The call to action is clear as Milwaukee County pledges to educate the public about their rights and the appropriate actions when coming into contact with immigration enforcement. The resolution has outlined a collaborative effort involving the Office of the County Executive, the Chief Judge of the First Judicial District, and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard constitutional rights. This unified stance heralds a stronger defense for all those who step foot into the courthouse, ensuring that each individual is accorded the rights and respect they are due.
