Milwaukee protest planned in solidarity with immigrants’ rights leader Carlos Montes
Milwaukee, WI – The Milwaukee Committee to Stop FBI Repression met June 5 to plan out a response to the FBI and Los Angeles Sheriff raid on the home of well-known Chicano organizer Carlos Montes.
The raid on Montes' home was in connection to the Sept. 24 raids on anti-war and international solidarity activists. It also upset many local labor and student organizers who helped build the historic fight back to save collective bargaining rights for Wisconsin public sector unions.
“We're all part of the same movement that is challenging the power of big corporations and building power for workers and oppressed people,” commented CSFR organizer Daniel Ginsberg. “This FBI repression is about intimidating and stopping great organizers and we're not gonna let them do it. We're getting out there and doing what we can to defend Mr. Montes and other victims of FBI repression.”
Representatives from several unions, along with several peace and justice organizations, attended the meeting. A former member of the Black Panthers and a representative of the International Action Center gave introductory speeches about the violent and frightening history of government repression on labor and people’s movements in this country.
A protest is being planned in Milwaukee as part of a national day of action on Thursday, June 16, at 5:00 pm, outside the Federal Courthouse on East Wisconsin Avenue. The protest coincides with Carlos Montes’ court date and will demand an end to the current wave of FBI repression on anti-war and international solidarity activists.
Organizers predict this protest will be Milwaukee's largest yet regarding FBI repression, noting the successful meeting and enthusiasm amongst many well known student, labor and peace organizations throughout the city.