Supervisor Deanna Alexander Co-Sponsors Resolution on Immigration Enforcement and Constitutional Rights

MILWAUKEE – Today, Milwaukee County Supervisor Deanna Alexander released the following statement after delivering a floor speech in support of File 25-295, a resolution related to human rights, and promoting that those who access the courthouse for activities such as attending court should be able to do so without fear of unrelated arrest for immediate deportation:

“Some may be surprised by my support for this resolution. I’ve always been justice-sensitive, focused on ensuring public safety, honoring American values, and holding government systems accountable – it’s why the people continue to elect me. My decision to co-sponsor this resolution does not mean I’ve gone soft on immigration enforcement, nor that I’ve abandoned the rule of law. Rather, it reflects my belief in authentically upholding human dignity and due process, no matter how difficult the conversation. The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of due process to everyone, regardless of immigration status. Even those legally present and awaiting amnesty hearings and those not authorized to be in the U.S. have a right to provide a defense when accused of wrongdoing, just like U.S. citizens do – because we as Americans consider due process a human right.”

Alexander, a U.S. military veteran who served with Border Patrol at the U.S.-Mexico border, offered firsthand insights during her remarks with jarring memories:

“I’ve seen what most Americans haven’t—pregnant women drinking their own urine to survive in the desert as they sought a better life for their unborn children, and cartels exploiting desperate people to smuggle massive amounts of drugs into our country. We’re hearing in the news about the chaos that results when families are left in the dark, not knowing that their loved ones have been arrested and deported to a prison with no communication to the outside world. These experiences have shaped my views: we must secure our borders, and we must do it with accountability and humanity.”

Alexander also shared how her father’s incarceration impacted her as a child:

“Even when a loved one is incarcerated legally and with due process—as my father was when I was young—it’s traumatic. That would be compounded tenfold if it unfolded as an apparent disappearance. The least we can do is ensure transparency for families, while enforcing the law responsibly.”

The Supervisor emphasized that while some individuals living in the U.S. should be deported, she firmly believes those actions must be lawful, timely, and humane, furthering the point by stating:

“Our immigration system is broken. I support reforms that make it easier to legally enter, work, and build a future as an American—and I also support clear, fair pathways for deportation when needed. I’m not here to offer blanket forgiveness or blind enforcement. I’m here to support practical, compassionate action that reflects both American strength and American values.”

Alexander concluded her statement by reiterating her independent approach: “This isn’t about left or right—it’s about what’s right. We can be tough on crime and compassionate in policy. We can believe in strong borders and still stand for human dignity. That’s the balance I strive to strike, and it’s why I supported this resolution.”

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.