Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett calls for review of ICE arrest, MPD's involvement

MILWAUKEE -- There is controversy over the Milwaukee Police Department's assistance in a recent ICE arrest. Now, Mayor Tom Barrett is calling for the Fire and Police Commission to review the incident.

"Without him, I don't know how we are going to survive," said Kristine De La Cruz.

De La Cruz spoke at Milwaukee City Hall on Thursday, Sept. 26, three days after her husband, Jose De La Cruz-Espinosa, was detained by Immigration and Custom's Enforcement (ICE) with an assist by Milwaukee police.

"If you asked those that knew my husband what he was like, what kind of man he was, they would tell you he is a hard worker," De La Cruz said.

Video of the arrest was captured on camera.

ICE requested the help of Milwaukee police after agents say De La Cruz-Espinosa refused to get out of a car during a traffic stop. Police say De La Cruz-Espinosa was on probation for illegally concealing a firearm. While officers were on the scene, the Department of Corrections issued a warrant for his arrest.

Milwaukee police tell FOX6 News on Thursday night, it was because of that warrant, not his immigration status, De La Cruz-Espinosa was arrested.

Christine Neumann-Ortiz of Voces de la Frontera is protesting the officers' involvement.

"We need strong, clear language to ensure there will be no collaboration. No wiggle room," Neumann-Ortiz said.

Mayor Barrett is also asking for the Fire and Police Commission to review the incident. He said police officers should focus on violent crimes and drug activity, "while the federal government is responsible to enforce and utilize its resources on immigration issues."

In the meantime, De La Cruz-Espinosa is being held in Dodge County.

The Fire and Police Commission was scheduled to meet Thursday evening, but the meeting was canceled. The panel is now scheduled to meet on Oct. 3.

Milwaukee Police Department statement