MILWAUKEE — Mayor Tom Barrett has filed a formal request with the Fire and Police Commission regarding the request from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for Milwaukee Police to assist in the detainment of Jose De La Cruz.
The mayor takes issue with the Federal government requesting MPD assistance, by compromising officers that are supposed to be combating problems intended to be handled by the Milwaukee Police Department. The Federal government has their own resources to be used for immigration issues.
De La Cruz was approached by ICE agents near his home on the city's south side, where his family asked if they had an arrest warrant. The ICE agents did not have a warrant.
De La Cruz entered the country illegally in 2001 and was in the process of trying to become a legal resident, according to his wife, Kristine.
Milwaukee Police were called and attempted to make an arrest of De La Cruz for a probation violation. He had been on probation for a 2017 gun violation where he was driving a car with his wife's legal handgun inside.
At the time of his arrest Monday, De La Cruz said her husband's probation officer said there were no active warrants for his arrest, but that she was issuing one at that moment.
Mayor Barrett is asking for a review from the Fire and Police Commission at their earliest convenience.
