Construction of a new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility began on the north side of Milwaukee, according to Fox 6 Milwaukee…Milwaukee is home to the largest population of immigrants in Wisconsin, and many are a part of mixed-status households, according to UW professor in the School for Workers Armando Ibarra.
The expansion of this facility is perpetuating uncertainty for immigrants and individuals who come from immigrant households, Ibarra said. “This idea that there was a facility that was going to be expanded in Milwaukee was announced in January of 2025, and even back then, there were elected officials and some organizations that were speaking up against this,” Ibarra said. “ICE used a federal exemption to avoid the city approval process, and they modified this building into this processing slash detaining center…”
Ibarra said many people are pushing back against what is happening with ICE expansion nationwide, namely in cities such as Chicago, Charlotte and Los Angeles. Some people who were not politically active in the past are now participating in these movements, according to Ibarra. “They’re [protesters] protecting their neighbors, they’re protecting the community, they’re protecting their loved ones or [they have] just a sense of patriotism that is inclusive of their neighbors, loved ones and people that are positive members of their communities,” Ibarra said.
Badger Herald | Expanding ICE facility in Milwaukee raises community concern
Interviews: Professor Armando Ibarra