Milwaukee County Courthouse Complex ICE arrests, 2 in custody

MILWAUKEE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently arrested two people at the Milwaukee County Courthouse Complex, the sheriff's office said Friday.

ICE arrests

What we know:

The sheriff's office said it was alerted in advance of ICE's intent to arrest one person at the courthouse. However, it was not given advance notice of plans to arrest a second person at the Milwaukee County Public Safety Building.

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MCSO, whose deputies provide courthouse security, said it did not participate in either arrest, and added that it is "not uncommon" for law enforcement to search available databases for court hearings involving people they are seeking.

What they're saying:

FOX6 News obtained an email that Milwaukee County Chief Justice Carl Ashley sent, which noted "the first incident" happened on March 20 after an injunction hearing. It also said both arrests happened in public hallways.

"If these detentions occurred in the courtroom, I believe it would have directly interfered with our judicial process," Ashley's email read. "I'm not sure if we have the authority to intervene in what happens in a public hallway."

Forward Latino, an Wisconsin-based organization that advocates for civil rights, said the arrests undermine trust in public institutions.

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"If everyone begins to feel as if a county courthouse is not a safe space, that'll have a negative impact – not only within the immigrant community – but throughout all of our residents and citizenry, and it is counterintuitive to the very bedrock principles enshrined in our constitution," Darryl Morin, the organization's president, told FOX6 News.

What we don't know:

The sheriff's office did not say when the arrests were made or why, exactly, the federal officers took the two people into custody. Judge Ashley's email said he's reaching out to the county's legal counsel for clarity on the ICE arrests.

Immigration policy

Big picture view:

The day after President Donald Trump's inauguration, the acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security rescinded the Biden Administration's guidelines.

Those guidelines banned ICE and U.S. Border Patrol agents from "civil immigration enforcement" in or around so-called sensitive areas. Those areas included schools, churches and courthouses.

The current guidance said the action should be done in conjunction with court security staff. 

Official statements

What they're saying:

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley:

"The Milwaukee County Courthouse stands as a cornerstone of justice where residents come to seek information, resources, and fair participation in the legal process. An attack on this safe, community-serving space undermines public trust, breeds fear among citizens and staff, and disrupts the due process essential to our courts."

"As local leaders, we have a duty to protect these institutions, uphold accessible services, and safeguard every individual’s constitutional right to engage fully in the judicial process. The last thing we want is to interfere with the legal process or sow doubt in those summoned to the courthouse about whether or not they will receive fair, impartial justice. I will continue working with our partners across the county and state to maintain safety and justice for all."

Milwaukee County Supervisor Shawn Rolland:

"Elections have consequences. The Trump administration is rolling out its economic policies, and thus far, those policies have sunk the stock market, harmed retirees, and made immigrants fear public places."

Milwaukee Alds. Jose Perez, JoCasta Zamarripa and Marina Dimitrijevic"

"It is deeply concerning to learn that ICE agents made an arrest yesterday inside the Safety Building, right next to the Milwaukee County Courthouse.  As best we can determine, given the manner in which this individual was detained (not directed by the court), that it was not related to the matter in which he appeared. 

"We strongly believe that residents need to be able to access all government facilities (without fear!) to receive services and to have due process. Whether it is the courts/judicial system, legislative bodies, or the executive branch, our residents should be able to freely access all venues without restrictions or any kind of implied threat of detention or arrest.

"A city where all people can access services at all times is a safer city."

Forward Latino:

"Earlier today, Forward Latino was informed that representatives of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained two individuals at the Milwaukee County Courthouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"Forward Latino is speaking with county officials and members of law enforcement to determine whether those detained had their constitutional rights violated and whether ICE representatives acted within their legal authority.

"While Forward Latino remains unwavering in its support for our legal and law enforcement communities, we cannot support or condone the well documented instances where representatives of ICE acted in an unlawful and immoral manner. Almost daily we are learning of new instances in which U.S. citizens and other individuals lawfully present in the United States have been unjustly detained and, in many instances, forcibly deported to countries where they have no history or connections.

"As we proceed with our investigation, Forward Latino reminds all residents of the City of Milwaukee that it is safe to call 9-1-1 if they witness or are victims of a crime, see a fire, or experience a medical emergency. It is equally safe for all city residents to contact the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Milwaukee Fire Department for assistance.

"Thank you."

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin):

"Americans expect the Trump administration to enforce our immigration laws and keep our neighborhoods safe, and that's exactly what they are doing. ICE will deport illegal aliens wherever they are located to help ensure the security of our communities."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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