Milwaukee committee advances third ‘ICE Out MKE’ resolution to restrict ICE use of city property

Steering and Rules Committee sends city-property measure forward as broader immigration package continues moving

Milwaukee’s Common Council Steering and Rules Committee on March 9 unanimously advanced a third measure in the city’s “ICE Out MKE” legislative package, approving a resolution intended to prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on city-owned property. The action moves the proposal toward a vote by the full Common Council.

The committee vote comes one week after the Council approved two earlier “ICE Out” items on March 3. Those measures formally declared opposition to mass deportation and called on the Milwaukee Police Department to protect residents’ constitutional rights during protests and public demonstrations. The mayor signed the two resolutions on March 6, while also issuing written concerns that a “sanctuary city” designation could carry significant consequences for residents.

City legal review has been central to the debate. City Attorney Evan Goyke warned council members during the March 3 floor session that language in the package could be interpreted by federal officials as placing Milwaukee within the category of “sanctuary” jurisdictions, a label that has previously been used in federal policy and messaging to target local governments for enforcement and funding-related pressure. Council members supporting the measures have argued the actions are aimed at clarifying the city’s position and setting boundaries for local operations, while acknowledging limits on municipal authority over federal enforcement.

What the committee-approved resolution would do

The resolution advanced March 9 focuses on city-owned property. The measure is framed as a prohibition on the use of municipal property for civil immigration enforcement activities. Sponsors have said revisions were made following legal feedback and that the final language was drafted to withstand scrutiny while remaining consistent with the city’s authority over its own facilities.

• Restricts the use of city-owned property for ICE activities tied to civil immigration enforcement.
• Advances as part of a multi-item package that also includes proposals affecting policing policies and immigrant-support services.
• Requires additional action by the full Common Council before taking effect.

Why the package is moving now

The “ICE Out MKE” proposals have been promoted as a response to heightened community concerns over federal immigration activity and reports of increased ICE operational capacity in the region. City leaders and community advocates have also pointed to ICE’s planned move to a larger office on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side at 11925 W. Lake Park Drive, which has been the subject of sustained public attention and neighborhood concern.

The committee action is the latest step in a legislative effort that blends symbolic declarations with operational limits tied to city property and city practices.

What happens next

With committee approval secured, the city-property resolution is expected to proceed to the full Common Council for consideration. Other components of the “ICE Out MKE” package—publicly described as including an Office of New Milwaukeeans and additional police policy changes—remain in the legislative pipeline and are expected to be taken up separately through the committee process.

As the package advances, the practical impact will likely hinge on final language, enforcement mechanisms, and how the city navigates constitutional limits on municipal action in matters involving federal enforcement agencies.