Joint statement from all members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderman Alex Brower, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore, Alderman Peter Burgelis, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary issued a statement condemning an immigrant from Milwaukee for issuing a death threat to the President. It came to light shortly thereafter that the person in question did not write this letter, and in fact was the victim of a crime. Making matters more disturbing, it is being investigated as to whether the perpetrator of this crime intentionally sent the falsified letter to ICE in an attempt to have this person deported before they could testify in court.
The Department of Homeland Security’s top priority should be protecting the people of this country. In this instance, they did the exact opposite. Their quick triggered incorrect statement caused a man and his family to receive death threats and for him to be detained for something he did not do, while further fueling the anti-immigrant sentiment being pushed at the national level. All things that undermine what should be the department’s chief priority of promoting public safety.
