Voces de la Frontera Applauds Palmyra and Kenosha Community Victories Against 287(g) Agreements

(Milwaukee, November 14th, 2025)—Voces de la Frontera celebrates today’s decision by the Palmyra Village Board and Police Department to withdraw their application for the 287(g) “task force” agreement with ICE. This reversal comes after sustained community organizing and principled opposition from residents who refused to allow their town to become an extension of a cruel federal immigration system that undermines public safety.

Earlier this week, Kenosha County adopted a significant policy shift by ending its practice of honoring ICE detainers beyond the point of lawful release—further signaling the growing rejection of harmful entanglements with ICE. The change follows months of legal and community pressure and reflects a broader statewide move toward policies that protect due process and advance real public safety.

“Today’s decision in Palmyra, and the policy change in Kenosha, are testaments to the power of organized communities,” said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director of Voces de la Frontera. “When we push back together, we stop policies that harm immigrant families and undermine public safety. Instead of investing taxpayer money in punitive forces, detention centers, or agreements designed to increase deportation quotas, we should invest in housing, healthcare, education, and nutrition, expanding access to housing, healthcare, education, and nutrition so all families can thrive.”

Across Wisconsin, similar community opposition has already prompted officials in Walworth, Ozaukee, and Clark counties to reconsider or terminate 287(g) agreements. At the same time, more counties are adopting the judicial warrant standard, now in Milwaukee, Dane, and Rock County, ensuring that law enforcement honors constitutional protections and does not act as an agent of federal immigration enforcement without proper judicial oversight.

We applaud the residents of Palmyra, who showed up, spoke out, and demonstrated what community leadership looks like. We also recognize the leadership of Village board members in listening to their constituents and Police Chief Paul Blount for prioritizing community wellbeing over policies that profit from surveillance and fear.

Voces de la Frontera remains committed to strengthening our Community Defense Network across Wisconsin, supporting local efforts to reject discriminatory agreements and advance fair, humane, community-centered public safety that truly protects all residents. We encourage residents to engage local law enforcement and elected officials to oppose 287(g) agreements that undermine public safety.

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.