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Community members gather to protest a potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility at 11925 W. Lake Park Drive on the Northwest Side. (Photo by Devin Blake)

Alderwoman Larresa Taylor wants city residents to be involved in what exactly is happening at a 36,000-square-foot building in District 9, where many officials and activists fear the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, is moving a facility.

Taylor has formally introduced the issue for “public and transparent discussion” during a future meeting of Milwaukee Common Council Steering and Rules Committee, according to a statement on Friday from Taylor.

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What we know

On Wednesday afternoon, the City of Milwaukee Department of City Development emailed Taylor’s office, saying the owner of the building is seeking a federal exemption so they can make various modifications without going through the city’s zoning process.

These modifications include a sally port, a type of secured entryway, and a chain link fence with privacy slats.

David Yost, an ICE public affairs officer, said in an email that there are no planned detention centers for that location. However, Taylor said that she believes ICE intends to move its processing center from downtown to 11925 W. Lake Park Drive.

During a Wednesday news conference, Taylor explained the difference between a detention center and a processing center.

She said a detention center holds people overnight, while a processing center temporarily holds detainees, facilitates transport and serves as a reporting site for non-detainees.

From the audience, Melody McCurtis yelled out, “We don’t want a processing center either.”

McCurtis is the deputy director and lead organizer for Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, a local social justice organization. 

When asked whether ICE intends to use the building for a processing center, Yost refused to comment.

Taylor’s Friday statement said that information will be provided on how the public can participate in the committee meeting.

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Devin Blake began his career as a journalist at Patch, covering the Southern California communities he grew up in, with a particular focus on local businesses, unemployment, and organizations addressing unmet community needs. As he witnessed the growing homelessness crisis, he transitioned into working as a resource and information coordinator, supporting community groups and nonprofits serving unhoused populations, including the elderly, developmentally disabled, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to his community-focused work, Blake has contributed to publications such as New York Magazine, The Onion, and McSweeney’s. He enjoys spending time with his wife and navigating the daily adventures of parenting his young son.