Thousands March for Immigrant Rights

Thousands of people took to the streets of Milwaukee on Sunday as part of the two-day “Days Without Latinxs and Immigrants” rally and general strike.

“Today, Milwaukee stands proud as one of 39 cities across this nation to call on President Biden to use his executive power to expand protections for immigrant workers and their families, given the failure of Congress to pass immigration reform last year,” said Voces de la Frontera executive director Christine Neumann-Ortiz at a downtown rally.

For years, Voces has organized the May Day march and rally at the Federal Building. The year’s group, which Voces estimated at 4,000, marched from the immigrant rights organization’s headquarters at S. 7th St. and W. Historic Mitchell St. to the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse, 515 E. Wisconsin Ave.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson joined the group at the courthouse.

“It’s about all of you. It’s about men, women, young people – families – who want nothing more than a chance, we all want the American dream to succeed, prosper and have a good life. That is why I support comprehensive immigration reform and executive orders to protect all immigrants,” said Johnson.

Voces and its supporters are calling on Biden to fulfill a campaign promise to end the Trump-era 287(g) agreements, which Neumann-Oritz called “racist and abusive.” The agreements grant local law enforcement agencies the ability to enforce immigration laws on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security.

The courthouse was chosen as the downtown rallying point because it is the site of Senator Ron Johnson‘s Milwaukee office.

“We know your shameful record. You have shamelessly enriched yourself while voting against workers and immigrant families,” said Neumann-Ortiz of Johnson, who was not in attendance.

Joining Voces and the mayor at the press conference were Israel Pena, an immigrant worker now living in Green Bay, and Karina Tweedell, a Ukrainian immigrant who relocated to Milwaukee with her family after the 2014 Russian invasion. Both spoke in favor of immigration reform.

Speeches were delivered in a mix of English and Spanish.

Voces, through its political action arm, is holding a rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol Monday to condemn Republicans for blocking the restoration of drivers’ licenses and in-state tuition equity for immigrants. Meetings with legislators and their aides are also planned. Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes is scheduled to appear at the rally.