Activists Warn About ICE Raids in Milwaukee

Activists in Milwaukee alerted about «elevated activity» by ICE in southeast Wisconsin. The warning came alongside reports of arrests at several points in the city and calls to remain calm, but also to prepare.

Forward Latino and Voces de la Frontera issued alerts at nearly the same time. Both organizations said that ICE presence intensified in Milwaukee and the metropolitan area, while local police denied participating in the operations.

What Did Activists Report?

Forward Latino said the alert would last one week. Its president, Darryl Morin, urged people not to panic, but to be ready, especially those at risk. The organization explained that its warning responds to unusually high ICE activity. Morin clarified that they have no problem with legitimate operations, but do with practices that generate fear in Latin American communities.

Voces de la Frontera also reported arrests at several points in Milwaukee. According to their count, at least 5 people were detained on streets on the north and south sides of the city.

The Milwaukee Police reported that it had been notified about selective operations for criminal activity. However, a spokesman told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that police were not involved in the immigration action.

What Did They Say About Rights?

The organizations insisted on a basic idea: knowing your rights before contact with ICE. That recommendation became central to their community alerts.

Forward Latino reminded people that a person can remain silent and request a lawyer. It also emphasized that agents cannot enter a home without a valid court order signed by a judge.

Voces de la Frontera reiterated the same message in a video shared on social media. Its director, Christine Neumann-Ortiz, insisted that people should not run, lie, or sign documents without legal counsel.

The American Civil Liberties Union recommends asking to see a court order signed by a judge before opening the door. That step can be decisive during an operation.

The Federal Trade Commission has also warned against signing documents without understanding their content. Although its focus is on consumer protection, the principle applies strongly in sensitive legal contexts.

What Context Does the Wave of Detentions Have?

The concern did not come out of nowhere. Wisconsin had already experienced a series of recent arrests that increased fear in migrant families.

According to data cited by activists, the Trump administration arrested more than 1,600 immigrants in Wisconsin through March 9. Approximately half had no criminal convictions, according to the Deportation Data Project.

In recent weeks, the detention of an 8-year-old boy and his mother in Wisconsin Dells was reported. There were also other cases closely followed by local communities, such as the detention and release of a mother in Sheboygan Falls.