Immigration Advocates Protest US Government’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ Immigration Policy

Opposing a “zero tolerance” immigration policy by the U.S. Department of Justice, immigration advocates rallied in front of Milwaukee’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building Friday at noon.

The Milwaukee event was part of rallies planned across the country as part of the National Day of Action for Children.

The rallies are in response to reports of hundreds of children being separated from their parents at the border.

Earlier in May, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said his department will prosecute anyone crossing the border, including people seeking asylum.

“These are asylum seekers. There should be some process to use, for example, a less costly case management service that’s already proven to ensure future court appearances,” said Emilio De Torre with the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin.

De Torre said the current policy separating children from parents is causing lasting harm.

The Milwaukee event was also organized by the ACLU of Wisconsin in partnership with the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

Speakers included one asylum seeker from Honduras fleeing gang violence. Her husband currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

About 30 people showed up in the Milwaukee rally. Rallies were planned in Madison and Green Bay. According to organizers, about 40 people showed up to the Madison rally, The Green Bay rally was canceled because of low attendance numbers.

This story was updated at 2:45 p.m., Friday, June 1, 2018 to include additional reporting on the event.