Number
251634
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZAMARRIPA, DIMITRIJEVIC, BROWER, PEREZ, BAUMAN, MOORE, BURGELIS, TAYLOR AND COGGS
Title
Resolution prohibiting the use of City property for civil immigration enforcement activities.
Analysis
This resolution prohibits the use of City owned or controlled properties for civil immigration enforcement actions.
Body
Whereas, Milwaukee is committed to the principle that all people in the city can live with respect, safety, and dignity; and
Whereas, Milwaukee is home to a rich and diverse population whose residents, regardless of national origin or language, contribute to the City’s economic strength, cultural vibrancy, and civic life; and
Whereas, Immigrants and their families have helped build and sustain Milwaukee’s economy, schools and neighborhoods, making essential contributions to business, public service, and community life; and
Whereas, Media reports and community accounts in other cities have documented aggressive actions by federal immigration enforcement agencies, including near schools, workplaces and places of worship, creating fear and trauma among residents; and
Whereas, Federal immigration enforcement agencies have used publicly-owned spaces to stage enforcement actions and to process people in detention; and
Whereas, Spaces being used by federal immigration enforcement agencies include parking lots, vacant lots, garages, public buildings, and parks; and
Whereas, City-owned or controlled parking lots, ramps, vacant lots, garages, and parks are not open to the general public without restrictions; and
Whereas, The City restricts access to non-public areas of City-owned or controlled buildings, which are areas that are not accessible to the general public (examples include restricted areas requiring badge access, breakrooms, workstations, storage closets, and employee-only areas); and
Whereas, For the purposes of this resolution, “civil immigration enforcement” means any investigation, arrest, detention, or surveillance conducted for the purpose of enforcing federal civil immigration laws, including but not limited to alleged violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act that are civil in nature, and any other activities, whether lawful or unlawful, that are undertaken pursuant to a claim of purported civil immigration enforcement authority; and
Whereas, Using City-owned properties for civil immigration enforcement can make residents fearful and discourage them from accessing essential services; and
Whereas, The unauthorized use of City resources, property, or personnel to facilitate civil immigration enforcement actions interferes with the City’s authority over, and its use of, its own resources, property, and personnel; and
Whereas, The U.S. Constitution limits the federal government's power to compel state and local officials to enforce federal law; and
Whereas, The diversion of municipal resources to support civil immigration enforcement actions can be seen as an improper use of local taxpayer funds; and
Whereas, Prohibiting the use of municipal property for civil immigration enforcement actions reinforces local autonomy and prevents local resources from being used in ways that undermine public trust and safety; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that no City-owned or controlled parking lot, ramp, vacant lot, park, or garage shall be used as a staging area, processing location, or operations base for civil immigration enforcement actions; and, be it
Further Resolved, That for the purposes of this resolution, “staging area” means an area that is used to assemble, mobilize, and deploy vehicles, equipment, or materials, and related personnel, for the purpose of carrying out civil immigration enforcement operations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That non-public areas of City-owned or controlled buildings shall not be used for purposes of civil immigration enforcement except with a judicial warrant or when access is otherwise required by law; and, be it
Further Resolved, That for the purposes of this resolution, “judicial warrant” means a warrant based on probable cause and supported by oath or affirmation, and signed by a federal or state judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to take a specific action, such as entry, search, or arrest; and, be it
Further Resolved, That this resolution shall not apply to property that is subject to an existing lease or concession agreement to which the City is a party and is not intended to, and shall not be interpreted to, interfere with any such lease or agreement; and, be it
Further Resolved, That this resolution shall apply to a leased premises that is subject to a lease to which the City is a party, and which is executed after the effective date of this resolution, and its requirements shall be incorporated in any such lease unless waived by the Common Council; and be it
Further Resolved, That this resolution shall not apply to property owned by the federal government and operated by or leased to the City, notwithstanding any other provision of this resolution; and be it
Further Resolved, That this resolution shall not be construed as restricting or interfering with the execution of court orders or judicial warrants, or the enforcement of criminal law, nor as limiting the rights of any person or entity under state or federal law.
Requester
Drafter
Kathleen Brengosz
1/14/2026
LRB 181341-1
Amended 3/24/2026
Chris Lee