Organizations Confirm FBI-ICE Actions in Manitowoc, WI
Civil Rights Groups Decry Targeting of Hardworking, Law-Abiding Immigrants
Milwaukee, WI – Forward Latino, a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy and service organization with members and affiliates in 29 states, and its affiliate, Crusaders for Justicia, located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, confirm that earlier today, multiple joint operations involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were conducted in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.
In response, the organizations issued the following statements condemning the unjust targeting of innocent, hardworking immigrant community members and the separation of families.
Jennifer Maldonado, Executive Director, Crusaders of Justicia
“We all want safe communities. However, it is both reckless and harmful to connect all those detained today with allegations of sex trafficking.
At least one of today’s actions targeted a group of dairy workers who gather every morning in the same place and ride together to work. They do this day in and day out. They are hardworking, church-going individuals who are only looking to provide for their families. Not only do they contribute to our communities, but they are sustaining Wisconsin’s family-owned dairy farms.”
Darryl Morin, National President, Forward Latino
“As documented by numerous independent sources, this administration continues to prioritize the detention and deportation of immigrants with no criminal record. The reasoning is simple.
First, the vast majority of immigrants are not involved in criminal activity. Second, detaining individuals who go to work every day and come home to their families every night is easier than apprehending someone actually engaged in unlawful behavior.
At a time when Wisconsin faces a severe labor shortage, we should be focused on expanding legal pathways, not tearing families apart. Hardworking, tax-paying, law-abiding immigrants should be part of the solution, not demonized and separated from their families.”
Forward Latino encourages families at risk of separation and in need of assistance to contact them at 833-528-4661 (833-LAT-INO1) or visit www.forwardlatino.org or www.forwardlatinoespanol.org.
About Forward Latino
Forward Latino empowers affiliates to inspire and engage communities, strengthen our democracy, improve the lives of working families, protect the environment, and stand up for equality and civil rights. We cultivate, train, and support a diverse national network of Latina/o/x community leaders addressing the civic, economic, and political challenges of the 21st century. Forward Latino currently has members in 29 states across the country and is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
About Crusader of Justicia
Crusaders of Justicia will mobilize exploited families and their allies to fight for justice. We will target fundamental issues impacting our communities.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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