Zamarripa files ethics complaint against Chambers after Feb. 11 confrontation inside Milwaukee City Hall office

Complaint seeks city ethics investigation after dispute between two Milwaukee Common Council members

A Milwaukee Common Council member has filed a formal complaint under the City of Milwaukee’s ethics code following a Feb. 11 incident at City Hall involving another council member, escalating a dispute that both sides agree was serious but describe in sharply different terms.

Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa said in a Feb. 17 statement that the interaction occurred in her office and “quickly escalated” beyond a routine discussion among colleagues. She alleged she was “verbally berated” and “physically intimidated” in a manner that made her feel “trapped and unable to safely exit,” and said multiple people witnessed the encounter. Zamarripa also said she was subjected to profane and degrading remarks, including a taunt to “start crying,” which she described as gendered and demeaning. She stated she has filed a formal complaint and requested a full investigation under the city’s ethics code, including whether the conduct constituted a misuse of office and violated standards required of city officials.

Alderman Mark Chambers Jr., in his own Feb. 17 statement, said he “strongly and unequivocally” disputes Zamarripa’s characterization of events. Chambers said he was brought into Zamarripa’s office by Common Council President José G. Pérez to discuss an email Chambers previously sent to council members regarding pending legislation and disagreement over it. Chambers said that prior to his entering the office, four council members were already present and he was surprised to find multiple colleagues there. He stated he did not initiate the gathering, did not enter uninvited, and did not intend to intimidate. Chambers acknowledged voices were raised, but denied physically blocking, threatening, or preventing anyone from leaving, and denied misusing authority. He said he would participate in any investigation.

What is known about the ethics process

The city maintains a Board of Ethics and publishes its code of ethics and complaint materials. The board’s public information indicates complaints can be filed using an ethics complaint form and that the board is located in City Hall. The city also publishes board rules and procedures, which generally govern how complaints are received and reviewed.

• The incident date referenced by both parties is Feb. 11, 2026.
• Both public statements were issued Feb. 17, 2026.
• Zamarripa’s statement says she filed a formal ethics complaint and requested a full investigation.
• Chambers’ statement says he disputes the allegations and will cooperate with an investigation.

Key factual disputes

The central points of disagreement include how the meeting was initiated, whether anyone was physically intimidated or prevented from leaving, and how to interpret raised voices and the overall conduct inside the office.

No ethics finding has been announced in connection with the complaint. Any determination of whether an ethics violation occurred would depend on the city’s investigative and adjudicative process, including witness accounts and other evidence gathered during review.