Milwaukee marchers demand Biden protect immigrant workers, families.

On Sunday, hundreds of individuals, from Racine to Inexperienced Bay, marched about two miles from Milwaukee’s south aspect to downtown to demand that President Biden move protections for immigrant employees and their households. 

Milwaukee is one among 39 cities throughout the nation “standing up and demanding” that Biden do that and fulfill his promise to finish 287(g), Christine Neumann-Ortiz, government director of Voces de la Frontera, stated outdoors the Milwaukee Federal Constructing and U.S. Courthouse, the place U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s workplace is situated. 

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) Program provides native legislation enforcement the ability to behave with federal authority in questioning, reporting and detaining undocumented immigrants.

“287(g) legalizes racial profiling and turns police and sheriffs into immigration,” Neumann-Ortiz stated. “They prioritize deportation over public security. President Biden stated he would finish it. He has the ability to finish it. And we’re right here to say: Finish it.”

ICE has 287(g) agreements with legislation enforcement businesses in eight Wisconsin counties, together with Waukesha, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan. 

“We battle for a humane, protected and dignified immigration system that’s worthy of a nation constructed by waves of immigrants, refugees and oppressed individuals who have struggled to make the American dream of equality and liberty a actuality,” Neumann-Ortiz stated. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson stated it is necessary to appreciate that the immigrant story is the story of Milwaukee. 

He stated he’ll stand and battle with those that are attempting to stay a greater life, whether or not they immigrated to america or are fleeing from a war-torn place.

“It is the proper factor to do,” he stated. “We all know that when individuals immigrate to Milwaukee, they add vibrancy to our neighborhoods. You raise up and assist our companies and assist to make our neighborhoods stronger and extra steady. That is what we needs to be seeking to see in every single place throughout this complete metropolis.” 

“We’re all worthy of being handled with dignity no matter the place we got here from or who we’re,” stated Karina Tweedell, whose household moved from Donetsk to Kyiv, Ukraine due to battle in 2014, then immigrated to america in 2018. “As an alternative of adjusting to a system that’s damaged, we have to regulate that damaged system.” 

‘Days with out Latinxs and Immigrants’

On Sunday and Monday, Voces de la Frontera’s statewide members and allies are participating in “Days With out Latinxs and Immigrants,” a two-day common strike. Greater than 142 Wisconsin companies closed in solidarity, Neumann-Ortiz stated. 

Israel Peña, an immigrant employee from Inexperienced Bay and a Voces member, has labored in america since 2008 for wineries in California, in fields harvesting nuts and fruit, washing vehicles, in development and at eating places. He now works in manufacturing. 

“In each one among these jobs, I put forth my finest effort and dedication with the objective of having the ability to present for my household and contribute to the financial system of this nice nation,” Peña stated. 

Addressing Biden, governors and different leaders, Peña stated: “We deserve” immigration reform and driver’s licenses. “We labored by the pandemic, risking publicity for ourselves and our households.”

Forward of Sunday’s march, there was a rally on the Voces workplace, 737 W. Historic Mitchell St., with stay music, dance, a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic and audio system. Round midday, attendees started marching downtown. 

“I am a reasonably privileged particular person general and so I want to make use of that to assist different individuals battle and be an ally,” stated marcher Emma Pucker of Milwaukee. “Getting right here, being out, it simply rejuvenates me in that battle.” 

Milwaukee resident Rebecca Martinez Kemnitz and her nearly 17-month-old daughter, Jazmín, met up with the marchers downtown to “assist a significant a part of our group.” 

“The necessary factor is recognizing individuals’s humanity and making an attempt to make a greater society,” she stated.

“Despite the fact that we didn’t win immigration reform, our motion is stronger than ever,” Neumann-Ortiz stated. “Nearly all of individuals on this nation are on our aspect.” 

Contact Hannah Kirby at hannah.kirby@jrn.com. Observe her on Twitter at @HannahHopeKirby.