A Courthouse for the People

MILWAUKEE – Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, Supervisor Caroline Gómez-Tom, and Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez issued the following statement in response to the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in the Milwaukee County Courthouse. The supervisors are taking action on the matter by advancing a resolution they authored on Milwaukee’s dedication to justice, safety, and access at the Milwaukee County Courthouse Complex.

“This resolution puts us on the right side of history and the right side of humanity. It’s about protecting people. It’s about protecting process. And it’s about protecting the promise of what our Courthouse is meant to be — a place of fairness, access, and truth.” said Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, the first Black Latina elected to lead the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. “And by distributing “Know Your Rights” materials in the Courthouse Complex, we give residents tools — not just to survive the system — but to understand it. That is how we empower communities. That is how we build a justice system worthy of the name.”

“We are working hard and taking action to protect our community members,” Supervisor Caroline Gómez-Tom stated. “The last thing we want to do is discourage people from showing up to their court dates and seeking crucial resources here at the courthouse. We’re putting forth common-sense legislation that exemplifies Milwaukee’s values, the rights to due process, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and serving every resident of Milwaukee County.”

“My initial reaction is shock and anger,” said Supervisor Miguel Martinez. “The right to due process needs to take priority, being charged with a crime does not conclude guilt. We’re taking action so we can continue to prioritize the rights and safety of our neighbors and friends. The goal with our resolution is to re-instill trust in our judicial system and public services so justice can be served, and people feel safe to access necessary services.”

The legislation calls for the Office of the County Executive, the Chief Judge of the First Judicial District, and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office to cooperate with one another to ensure everyone has access to services and to safeguard every individual’s constitutional right to due process. The resolution further calls for Milwaukee County to support efforts to educate its residents on their rights and the appropriate actions to take during encounters with immigration authorities. Standing firm in its opposition to ICE operating outside the limits of the law in and around the Milwaukee County Courthouse Complex.

The resolution was considered during the Committee Meeting on Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and General Services today April 15th, 2025. The resolution was passed four to zero with one abstention.

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.