Supervisors Martinez, Eckblad, Shea Condemn MKE Urban Stables’ Handling of ICE Incident

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Supervisors Juan Miguel Martinez, Jack Eckblad, and Steven Shea issued the following statements strongly condemning the recent dismissal of a volunteer from MKE Urban Stables following a confrontation with ICE agents in the parking lot. The incident raises serious concerns about transparency, organizational accountability, and the use of nonprofit spaces in ways not approved by staff or board.

Two volunteers were present during the incident; however, only one was disciplined, allegedly for violating a policy that did not exist. According to Supervisor Martinez:

“While the Executive Director, Mary McIntosh, may not have directly organized or sanctioned the ICE presence that morning, it is deeply troubling that ICE was welcomed and that a volunteer was punished for standing up to them. This was not an Urban Stables-approved event. The board and staff did not authorize their use of the parking lot. The narrative must be corrected.”

Supervisor Eckblad added:

“Let us be clear, ICE’s adulteration of spaces that must be safe for our children including schools, churches, and non-profits that serve our youth, is a threat to public safety and our social fabric. Milwaukee Urban Stables must immediately clarify what policies it has in place to protect the children in their care from the unwarranted coercion of ICE officers.”

The Supervisors are calling for:

• A full investigation by the MKE Urban Stables Board of Directors into how ICE was granted access to their property.
• Accountability from leadership to clarify what happened, and transparency in decision-making going forward.
• Support for the volunteer, who acted in defense of community trust in the space.

Supervisor Shea said:

“We must protect community organizations from becoming platforms for coercion or intimidation. Nonprofits like MKE Urban Stables exist to serve Milwaukee’s youth, not to facilitate federal enforcement actions. I stand with the volunteer and with all community members who demand that our public spaces remain safe and inclusive.”

Supervisor Martinez is engaging with Heather Asinyabi and others in the community to correct the record and ensure that the stables’ role remains centered on youth development, not political confrontation.

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.