Thousands Protest Against Immigration Crackdown In Milwaukee

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A proposed crackdown on illegal immigration by Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke has forced thousands of protestors to gather in the south side of the city.

Thousands of Wisconsin demonstrators took part in the “Day Without Latinos” protest march on Monday to stop local law enforcement officers getting deputised as federal immigration agents.

Activists travelling by bus from at least twelve cities across the states raised both American and Mexican flags and headed for Milwaukee County Courthouse to see Sheriff David Clarke.

Sputnik reports:

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Organized by Hispanic advocacy group Voces de la Frontera, demonstrators say that Clarke’s plans to enroll deputies in a federal 287G program empowering them to act as immigration agents effectively gives officers carte blanche to profile and harass the Latino population.

In Milwaukee, tens of thousands on strike and marching, hundreds of businesses closed to #StopClarke #daywithoutlatinos pic.twitter.com/YmUJ0wr3aS

— Voces de la Frontera (@voces_milwaukee) 13 February 2017

The demonstration, which took place at the Milwaukee County Courthouse is a part of a “Day Without Latinos, Immigrants and Refugees.” Inclusive Wisconsin, Muslim and other immigration advocacy groups helped to organize the action as well.

This is happening right outside my building. #stopclarke #adaywithoutlatinos pic.twitter.com/p1tdhRiCVI

— Elizabethhh ♥ (@Elizabethhmk) 13 February 2017

As many as 20,000 participants from places like Green Bay, Appleton and Madison are expected to attend.

In #Wisconsin businesses closed due to #daywithoutlatinos protest (more video) pic.twitter.com/ySrmB7VNeH #immigration #underreported

— Sarah Jones Reports (@SarahJReports) 13 February 2017

The notoriously conservative Clarke, known for his support of US President Donald Trump and his vocal opposition to the Black Lives Movement, wrote on the department Facebook page, ” Nobody has a RIGHT to come to the U.S….You can however make a REQUEST to come here through our immigration service.”

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.Among the signs on the march in MKE:”Even Trump said no to Clarke.” #daywithoutlatinos #StopClarke pic.twitter.com/OvqLX7fgdf

— margaret rozga (@mvroz) 13 February 2017

Last week, he wrote sarcastically on Facebook, “Please accept my regrets. I will be working with agents from immigration and customs enforcement helping them identify criminal illegal aliens and therefore cannot attend your rally being held for me.”