Immigration Enforcement: Your Questions and Suggestions

Madison’s Residents are Engaged

Alders, the Office of the Common Council, and the Office of the Mayor are receiving emails, letters, and phone calls asking about our City’s posture on federal immigration enforcement actions. Some residents propose specific responses. I try to answer each inquiry from District 19 residents, but I’m sure there is broader interest. That is the reason for this blog. There is a common thread in the information below: (1) Madison cherishes every resident, (2) follow the law, and (3) do not hesitate to exercise your rights, including and especially your First Amendment Freedom of Speech right.

New City Web Page

In view of the widespread interest, the Office of the Mayor has established a new web page titled “Know Your Rights”. There is more than an emphasis on the rights of immigrants and citizens. You will find:

• Links to the longstanding policies of the Madison Police Department on immigration enforcement and demonstrations.
• Legal assistance
• Emergency hotline
• Volunteer opportunities
• Private property signage

Additional content will be added as it is vetted, and we will add text in other common languages.

Some Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• City staff are closely coordinating with all emergency management personnel in the area, including local law enforcement, and the organizations who are directly serving our immigrant populations. 
• City staff are engaged in scenario-planning for situations that other cities have faced in recent months and are in touch with staff in those cities to make sure that we learn from their experience. As part of that analysis, we are also investigating to what extent the City can restrict the use of City property and resources for federal immigration enforcement under current law. 
• The City has already joined a number of lawsuits challenging federal policy on immigration enforcement and other areas and will continue to do so where there are opportunities
• The Madison Police Department has a longstanding policy of not detaining, arresting, or investigating any person(s) solely for a suspected violation of immigration status laws.  
• For months, community leaders representing the most impacted populations have advised against the City passing symbolic resolutions or speaking publicly about our preparations. At best, that could give residents a false sense of security. At worst, it may attract unwanted attention that results in real harm to the very people we are trying to protect. This is a moment that calls for leadership at the grassroots level, not grand gestures. The most impactful things we can do are in community, not on social media.
• There is community-centered work that can be done right now. Residents and businesses can access resources being offered by groups like Voces de la Frontera, Centro Hispano, and the Community Immigration Law Center. 
• I remain available to engage with individual constituents and neighborhood associations on this topic.