MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee-Waukesha and Dodge-Fond du Lac-Sheboygan-Ozaukee Chapters of Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) are collaborating with the Milwaukee Area Labor Council for a double feature film screening and panel discussion about immigration and dairy. They invite workers, farmers, and community members to join them on Sunday, April 26, at the Laborers Local 113 building for this free event focused on education and community building.
Los Lecheros, a film collaboration between Twelve Letter Films and the WI Center for Investigative Journalism, “gets to the heart of the relationship between farmers, undocumented immigrant workers, families, activists, and a state economy as they all respond to the pressures of anti-immigrant threats and legislation.” La Tierra del Queso, a production between Voces de la Frontera and WFU, highlights the collaboration between dairy farmers and their workers to fight back against anti-immigrant rhetoric and bills.
The post film panel discussion will feature Dr. Lola Loustaunau with the UW School for Workers, Mario Ramirez from Voces de la Frontera, and Michael Slattery, farmer, WFU member, and long-time advocate for immigrant rights in WI.
“One of WFU’s Special Orders of Business this year is The Protection of Immigrant Rights,” Sam Odin, president of the MKE-Waukesha WFU chapter, said. “With the recent immigration enforcement presence in the Midwest that threatens agricultural labor and food supply chain stability, it is a top of mind issue for our members. We are glad to partner with the Labor Council at the local level to build farmer-labor solidarity.”
“One in five workers in our country was not born here,” Pam Fendt, president of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, added. “All workers regardless of legal status are entitled to labor protections. So, when ICE detains and deports people, takes people from their homes without proper warrants, and conducts raids at our worksites, they are targeting workers. We are in a moment to build solidarity.”
Event Details:
● Date & Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
● Location: Laborers Local 113, 6310 W Appleton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53210
● Light refreshments will be provided.
● Panel Discussion, featuring perspectives from farmers, organized labor, and immigrant rights organizations.
● Informal networking and conversation opportunities to foster collaboration and continued dialogue.
RSVP and Registration:
This is a free event, with registration required online or at the door. If possible, please register in advance to help us plan for refreshments. Visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events to learn more.
Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement.
