The Milwaukee Common Council has passed the first part of an “ICE Out MKE” agenda being pushed by far-left members.
The Milwaukee Common Council unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday calling for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and urging the agency to avoid conducting civil immigration enforcement activities in the city.
The measure, introduced by Socialist Alderman Alex Brower, declares the council’s opposition to federal immigration enforcement tactics nationwide and calls on the federal government to de-escalate enforcement methods, respect constitutional rights, and provide a clear path to citizenship for immigrants. It states that Milwaukee stands against mass deportation and supports welcoming immigrants.
Brower pulled the resolution for direct council discussion; bypassing committee review in a rare procedural step designed to move the measure quickly. Guidance from the City Attorney’s Office indicated the language could place Milwaukee on a White House list of sanctuary jurisdictions.
“I want to end up on that list,” Brower responded, claiming that the resolution does not create ordinances limiting local police cooperation but expresses opposition to ICE’s “unusual and reckless approach.”
“Full speed ahead,” Alderman Bob Bauman concurred. “We have to respond to the very legitimate demands of thousands of constituents.”
The resolution passed 14-0 (with one alder excused) and now heads to Mayor Cavalier Johnson. A spokesman for the mayor said his office is now reviewing it.
Milwaukee has not officially declared itself to be a sanctuary city through ordinance or resolution but has long been hostile to direct cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Last May, the city appeared briefly on a Trump administration list of sanctuary jurisdictions but was removed.
The council’s latest action is part of the broader “ICE Out Milwaukee” package, which includes other proposals to limit federal agent access to city property and resources.
