Immigrant Advocates Win Case Against Milwaukee County Sheriff

An immigrants’ rights group has won a court victory against a conservative Wisconsin sheriff.

Voces de la Frontera has been asking for more information from Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke as to why there has been extended detention of some immigrants taken in for supposedly minor offenses. President Barack Obama ordered such detentions ended last fall. A Milwaukee County judge has ordered Clarke to release uncensored records.

Rabbi David Cohen of Congregation Sinai in Fox Point was following the case. He is involved with the New Sanctuary Movement, a faith-based program affiliated with Voces de la Frontera.

“We share a scriptural tradition, many Christians, Jews and Muslims, that really insists that we pay attention and safeguard the rights of those who have little power,” said Cohen. “And these days, that really includes the group of undocumented immigrants.”

Clarke’s spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment, but an attorney for Milwaukee County said the requested information will be released.