Residents push back on police-ICE partnership policy
By Imani Fleming
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WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin (WISN) — Residents, immigrant rights advocates, and labor groups in West Allis are urging changes to a new policy that allows local police in West Allis to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement with arrests without requiring a warrant signed off by a judge.
“Requiring a judicial warrant does not block federal enforcement, it simply ensures the West Allis Police Department does not do ICE’s bidding based on inaccurate information,” said Rep. Angelito Tenorio, who represents West Allis in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
The group gathered outside the West Allis Police Department to voice concerns about the partnership between ICE and local police and talk about the differences between an administrative warrant and a judicial warrant.
They believe the collaboration will negatively impact the community, making residents less likely to trust local law enforcement or seek help during emergencies.
Their concerns follow the West Allis Police and Fire Commission’s approval of the policy, which community leaders argue undermines due process, increases the risk of unlawful detentions, and diminishes accountability for both local and federal law enforcement.
The group said they have been in discussions with the Police and Fire Commission, noting that some commissioners have been receptive to their suggestions. They plan to continue these talks at a meeting scheduled for July 16 at the police department.
12 News is waiting to hear back from the Police and Fire Commission.
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