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Residents, teachers and faith leaders urge Racine council to pass immigration protections
Summary
Dozens of residents — including faith leaders, teachers and immigrant-rights advocates — used the public comment period to urge passage of a local ordinance limiting city assistance to civil immigration enforcement, saying fear of enforcement harms public safety and school attendance.
More than 20 people spoke during the public-comment period at the Racine Common Council’s Aug. 5 meeting, the majority urging passage of an ordinance limiting the city’s assistance with civil immigration enforcement. Speakers represented neighborhood groups, LULAC, Voces de la Frontera, faith coalitions, local teachers and school staff.
State Rep. Angelina Cruz framed the measure as a targeted local protection and said it would not prevent federal law enforcement from acting under lawful warrants. Teacher and organizer Aaron Ike said the ordinance would help students feel safe and that "students with hope do better," arguing that municipal protections can improve educational outcomes. Several speakers recounted personal or family experiences of fear and urged the council to vote yes.
