This browser does not support the Video element.
Milwaukee Common Council dispute, email records add context
A disagreement over Milwaukee's pending so-called "ICE OUT" legislation appears to be at the center of an incident involving two Common Council members.
MILWAUKEE - A disagreement over Milwaukee's pending so-called "ICE OUT" legislation appears to be at the center of an incident involving two Common Council members.
FOX6 News obtained public records that give more context about what happened between Ald. Mark Chambers and Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa at City Hall earlier this month. It's still unclear what will happen from here.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
Dig deeper:
At 10 a.m. last Wednesday morning, Feb. 11, Chambers sent an email writing that it was "inconsiderate" that pending "ICE OUT" legislation includes a prohibition of face coverings by law enforcement – noting he and Ald. Peter Burgelis co-sponsored similar legislation that went nowhere in 2024.
Chambers wrote that their legislation aimed to ban face coverings with the "intention to include a prohibition of these same coverings by law enforcement … but wanted to work further with both the Milwaukee Police Department and the office of the city attorney."
Mark Chambers, JoCasta Zamarripa
Chambers also wrote, referencing the "ICE OUT" package, "...this is not the collaborative process we need to make clear to ICE and the Border Patrol that the city of Milwaukee is united in its opposition to its excesses." He asked his legislation be included in the "ICE OUT" package, or the topic be removed and taken up separately.
At noon on Feb. 11, some Common Council members unveiled the legislation in the council chambers, including Zamarripa and Common Council President José Pérez.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
Chambers said in a statement this week that Pérez brought him into Zamarripa's office to discuss pending legislation. It's still unclear what the disagreement was about.
Zamarripa said Chambers berated, physically intimidated and taunted her. She said she was on the receiving end of profane and degrading remarks in front of others.
Milwaukee Common Council dispute; alderman reassigned after allegation
A Milwaukee alderwoman accused a colleague on the Milwaukee Common Council of berating and intimidating her in her office, leading to his removal from a committee as the city reviews the allegations.
Chambers has denied Zamarripa's account, saying in a statement: "…voices were raised by everyone in the room during this exchange. At no point did I physically block, threaten, or prevent anyone from leaving, nor did I misuse my authority in any way."
What's next:
Pérez emailed council members on Feb. 18, noting a complaint has been filed with the city's human resources department alleging that a member didn't follow the city's anti-harassment and anti-bullying policy.
The common council president attached a copy of the policy and wrote: "...this is a personnel matter, and out of respect for our legislative body, I'd request that you be mindful about any public comments that you make regarding this issue at this time."
The Source: