Milwaukee, WI – On the evening of April 16, the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) won the first part of their 18-month campaign to implement a restrictive police vehicle pursuit policy.

After many months of deliberation and hearing demands from the community and allies of the campaign such as Black Leaders Organizing for Change (BLOC), the FPC unanimously passed a recommendation to Milwaukee Police Chief Norman to severely restrict car chases and include footage of car chases in the police department’s footage release policy for critical incidents. This victory was long fought for and hard won.

In the past, the FPC held power to pass, modify, or eliminate policy for the MPD. This was changed back in 2023, by the Wisconsin state GOP and other parties that oppose transparency and accountability via Act 12.

Act 12 was rapidly passed in reaction to MAARPR’s victory in the FPC with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 575 which standardized the release of body-worn cameras in critical incidents from the MPD. Ultimately, this clipped the policy-making power of the FPC. Now, only the police chief and common council can modify and write policies for the police. Despite these changes, the FPC is still a body that can investigate and recommend changes directly to the common council and police chief.

SOP 660 is the policy for when the MPD can initiate a high speed vehicle chase. As the policy currently stands, it is ambiguous and the police can initiate deadly chases for “crimes” as small as out-of-date registration. Former Police Chief Flynn put an end to vehicle pursuits, but over the last few years the MPD has begun using police chases again. This resulted in grave consequences.

In 2025 alone, there were ten deaths from or related to causes from the police chases. Out of the ten fatalities, six were innocent bystanders. Not only were they deadly, but settlements related to these chases cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars. That money could have been used for traffic calming measures that stop reckless driving without killing people. MAARPR saw this as an opportunity to pick another fight for accountability and transparency from the MPD.

Now, Chief Norman will review the recommendation from the FPC and can accept or reject it. Organizers with MAARPR say they are not optimistic that Norman will accept the changes, but they are committed to seeing this campaign through. Over the next few months, they will canvass neighborhoods and gather community support to build pressure on elected officials to make change.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #MAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – On the cold evening of January 30, the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) held a vigil at All People’s Gathering Church. The space is not only a worship center but a historic refuge for victims of state violence, having supported the family of Dontre Hamilton when he was killed by police in 2014 at a park just two miles south. Once again, All People’s held space for stolen lives as organizers and community members mourned the nine people already killed by ICE in 2026.

Sam Baragan, a member of MAARPR and Comite Sin Fronteras, welcomed attendees and shared her personal experience under Trump, explaining “I am a DACA-mented woman, and the current climate around ICE has filled me with fear, anxiety and deep emotional distress. I find myself constantly worried, not only for myself, but for my community, my friends, my neighbors, and the people I love. This vigil is a pause. A moment to come together in community.”

Pastor Evan McVann then prayed over the congregation to start the night and recited Leviticus 19:33-34: “When an immigrant resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The immigrants residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were immigrants once.”

The open mic portion began and people from all over the community offered original songs, stories from the border, and words of empowerment.

Brian Verdin, an original member of 1973 MAARPR, recited the nine names: Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Keith Porter, Heber Sánchez Domínguez, Victor Manuel Diaz, Parady La, Luis Beltrán Yáñez–Cruz, Luis Gustavo Núñez Cáceres and Geraldo Lunas Campos.

Verdin reassured the crowd that “the heat of the people will melt the ICE,” a message received with resounding applause. The music then continued, courtesy of the Milwaukee Justice Singers as they sang Hold On, “Hold on my dear ones, here comes the dawn.”

To close, youth educator Casey Serrano (MAARPR) offered ways the community can continue to band together and organize after the program. The main highlight was Barrio Walks with the Alliance, or canvassing sessions on the city’s South Side, which recently passed out 500 “Know your Rights” flyers in just 30 minutes that week with the help of community members. Serrano shared “Recently, I find myself praying. Praying for my students, for my community.”

Serrano then called for all those gathered to “be the hands and feet of Christ. We must have the wisdom and clarity to see things for what they are and what must be done, and have the perseverance to carry it out.”

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #ImmigrantRights #ICE #MAARPR #AlexPretti #KillerICE

Venezuela, Caracas – When we arrived in Caracas, we had a 30-minute bus ride from the airport to the hotel where we were staying. Watching the city go by and the beautiful mountains in the background, there were dozens of beautiful murals painted for Bolívar, Chavez and Maduro celebrating the Bolivarian revolution.

During the International People’s Assembly for Sovereignty and Peace of our Americas conference, there were many chants from all over Latin America -¡Viva Bolívar! ¡Viva Maduro! ¡Viva Diaz-Canales! ¡Viva Sheinabum!

The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression has long supported progressive leaders like President Maduro, and I have been to hands off Venezuela protests where the people supported Maduro, but it truly surprised me to see a room full of people chanting for their leaders. In the United States, I cannot remember the last time I really saw a large crowd of people chanting with love and pride for a politician. Once in a while Trump supporters might try to disrupt our actions, but they often chant to show what they oppose rather than what they stand for.

At home, people have no sense of ownership and pride in most politicians. They get elected on empty promises that no one expects them to follow through on. It was amazing to meet people who live in places where they truly can have governments that believe in the people, and fight for them. In the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Repression we fight for community control of the police, for the right of the people to control what police do, how they do it, and to convict them when they commit crimes. Seeing the love and pride that other countries have for governments where they feel their leaders are fighting for them instead of repressing them for it was an amazing experience.

The more surprising thing for me at the conference was how many people were extremely grateful to see Americans organizing for peace, and were worried about our safety on return. As the United States tries to go to war with Venezuela, I was not sure what people would think of us. However, people had many questions about videos of specific police murders they had seen, ICE kidnappings, National Guard occupations, and other repression. They were incredibly concerned about Black liberation and immigrant rights in the United States.

People from all over Latin America celebrated when they heard about our struggles against heightened police repression, especially with George Floyd in Minneapolis and the small town of Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2020, in supporting student encampments for Palestine, and then ongoing struggles against ICE kidnappings and opposing troops on the streets, with the uprising in LA, the defiance in Chicago, and campaign against troops in DC this year. These struggles are also unfolding in Portland and New Orleans where we also lead protests and movements.

When they asked if we were scared of the police or of repression, I told them that we believe that justice is worth any level of struggle. I also told them how we had won a campaign against FBI repression by freeing Chicano activist Alejandro Orellana in LA.

One Cuban delegate said to me that the Alliance's organizing “prove[s] your resistance in your situation.” As I prepare to return to the United States soon, I am excited to bring all of the excitement and love I experienced from around the world to the struggle for Black and Chicano liberation at home.

#International #Venezuela #AntiWarMovement #MAARPR #Chicano #Opinion #Commentary #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes

The repression and harassment that these students have faced includes getting suspended off campus, being given bogus, hefty fines and charges, and being stalked on personal social media accounts by UWMPD and UWM administrators, and much more.

Led by members of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), the press conference was a response to the ongoing repression and harassment of UWM students and SDS members alike. The most recent example of repression stems from the recent National SDS Convention that happened across the street from the UWM campus, where eight students and community members were targeted and cited for holding a march in solidarity with Palestine around the campus.

SDS members, both from Milwaukee and Chicago, along with community members rallied, demanding an end to the UWMPD’s and UWM administration’s attacks on students for exercising their right to free speech on campus.

Chris Van Valkenberg from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee SDS spoke on how the citations included either “amplification of sound” or “standing in roadway”, were just another example of the truly bogus attacks that the campus police and administration at UWM subject SDS members and students. Van Valkenberg mentioned that these antagonizers have worked hard to harass us and repress us for the last two years because they know when we fight, we win. As part of UWM SDS, Van Valkenberg noted the success in fighting such charges, especially as a part of the larger National SDS. Van Valkenberg stated that just like our student charges in the past for the Milwaukee chapter of SDS, the students will fight these charges until they are dropped to show that SDS does not get scared of repression; we get stronger because of it.

The next speaker was Diego Garcia of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR), who spoke about how the attacks and harassment of student activists have only made the admin and police look weak in the face of progress and student safety alike. Garcis concluded that while the students advocate for progressive change on their campus, like protesting for a free Palestine, increasing black enrollment, and preserving DEI initiatives, UWMPD and UWM administrators are deathly afraid not only of these topics, but afraid of the students leading the movement on campus. It’s up to the students like those in SDS to remind the student body who is on the right side of history.

Lastly, Ángel Naranjos from the University of Illinois-Chicago SDS (UIC SDS) made it clear that the repression against students is happening across the country. Naranjos emphasized that because of this repression, students like those in Chicago and Milwaukee have chosen to escalate their campaign strategies when it comes to defending DEI initiatives and cultural centers on campus when university administrators refuse to budge despite popular student demand for such. The popularity of demands like these and others is what has made SDS a fighting student force across the country, and why the success of the 2025 National SDS Convention just a month ago in Milwaukee was such a success.

As the Trump administration’s attacks on students continue to grow, students have felt the pressure of this through a loss of educational funding, satellite campuses, research funds, DEI programs, and overall student safety. Much of this pressure is also funneled from the administrations of universities across the country, who are willing to put profits above education at every level. These losses, combined with an increase in campus police presence and intimidation, strict campus free speech laws targeting student activism, and purposefully deregistering and suspending any detracting student organizations, are a call to action for all students on UWM’s campus to call for its administration to end its complicity with Trump’s anti-education and anti-student policies.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #StudentMovement #UWMSDS #SDS #MAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – On the evening of October 22, about 60 people gathered for the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression’s (MAARPR) to honor families who have lost loved ones to police violence. They also spoke out against deaths the jails and prisons, reckless police chases, ICE facilities, war and genocide, and more.

Held at All People’s Gathering Lutheran Church, MAARPR members, other organizations, and fighting families began the night with an art gallery honoring their loved ones who have passed. Organizations present were Comité Sin Fronteras, representing the immigrant rights movement, as well as U.S. Palestinian Community Network – Milwaukee representing the Palestinian liberation movement. Additionally, there were over five fighting families present, namely, the families of Sam Sharpe Jr., Cilivea Thyrion, Hasan Harris, Corey Stingley, Jay Anderson Jr. and Diamond Arberry.

After the art gallery, Pastor Evan McVann opened the panel with a prayer. Facilitating the panel was Angelique Sharpe, the sister of Sam Sharpe Jr.; Kerrie Hirte, mother of Cilivea Thyrion; Craig Stingley, father of Corey Stingley, and Lakia Thomas, mother of Diamond Arberry. When asked about the barriers they’ve faced in their pursuits for justice and how they’ve overcome it, Stingley answered “You’ve gotta learn how to jump aside, and gotta learn how to kick through those barriers.”

When the panel came to a close, the emcee Brian Verdin, co-chair emeritus, opened the mic for organizations and families to speak their peace. Erika, the aunt of Hasan Harris and a member of MAARPR, began to speak to her struggles in her fight for justice and when recounting her interaction with the investigating law enforcement agency, she stated, “I said we are backed by the Milwaukee Alliance and they gave us something!”

Closing the open microphone, a member of USPCN – Milwaukee, when referring to police, said, “It’s not a system of oppression that [only] exists in Milwaukee, it’s worldwide” and closed out saying “We shouldn’t only scream, we need to revolt.”

As the event came to a close, MAARPR then collected signatures for their petition demanding community oversight of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and to mobilize the community for the Milwaukee County budget hearing on October 27 at 6 p.m.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #MAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – On Sunday, September 28, over 80 people rallied at Dontre Hamilton Park in response to the recent attacks on abortion in Wisconsin. As of October 1, Planned Parenthood Wisconsin will be pausing abortion services at its three locations. This leaves only two independent clinics left in the entire state that offer abortion services, both located in Milwaukee.

Due to new stipulations in Trump and the Republicans’ reactionary Big, Beautiful Bill that was passed through Congress, funding is no longer available to Planned Parenthood Wisconsin. Organizations that receive Medicaid reimbursements and offer reproductive healthcare, including abortion, are no longer eligible for reimbursements if they continue to offer those services.

“We are here today to send a loud and unwavering message. Donald Trump and his regressive policies are not welcome in our city, in our state, or in our lives. We didn’t stay silent when our rights were stripped away with the fall of Roe in 2022, and we won’t stay silent now,” said Carly Klein of Freedom Road Socialist Organization. “We will fight back – against every attack on reproductive healthcare, against every assault on our communities, and against every system that seeks to oppress us.”

The rally aimed to let the public know abortion is legal in Wisconsin, and that there are still options for patients seeking services. Care for All and Affiliated Medical Services are both independent abortion clinics that remain open in Milwaukee. Since they don’t depend on Medicaid funding, they are exempt from the effects of the Big Beautiful Bill.

Another organization endorsing the rally was the Milwaukee Fights Back Coalition, formerly the Coalition to March on the RNC. A representative of the group, Andrea Waters, remarked, “The Trump administration effectively changed abortion access forever. This was another direct attack on bodily autonomy for women. Trump and the Republicans use this tactic to divide us as well, activating people who normally wouldn’t even have an opinion on abortion by making it ‘The Right v. The Radical Left.’”

Other organizations that spoke at the event were Students for a Democratic Society – United With Milwaukee (SDS UWM), Madison Abortion & Reproductive Rights Coalition for Healthcare (MARRCH), Pro-Choice Milwaukee, Care for All clinic, Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Men4Choice.

Despite the uphill battle, the organizers are determined to expand abortion access in Wisconsin. “Wisconsin isn’t turning back,” said Andrea Waters. “If you feel charged up from this event today, join the movement, talk to one of the speakers you saw today. We cannot stand silent while these attacks happen, we must expand abortion access in Wisconsin. Lend a hand and help us build a better future, a better tomorrow for the generations to come after us.”

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #WomensMovement #Abortion #ReproductiveRight #MilwaukeeFightsBackCoaltition #SDS #MARRCH #PCM #MAARPR #Feature

Milwaukee, WI – In late August the Milwaukee Police Association (MPA), a police union, put out a call for their membership to join them for a protest on September 5 related to contract negotiations with the City of Milwaukee. The group planned to march from Red Arrow Park to City Hall where they would hold a press conference. Locals often refer to the park as Dontre Hamilton Park to honor the death of Dontre Hamilton, a Black man murdered by now-former Milwaukee Police Department officer Christopher Manney.

On September 5, MPA members gathered in shirts that read “Pay us what you owe us” and carried signs with slogans like “Protect every day, deserve better pay.” Like many unions, the MPA demanded better pay. However, unlike most unions, MPA members regularly commit crimes against the people of Milwaukee and members routinely rack up thousands of dollars in overtime a year for merely sitting in their cars.

Before MPA could gather in the park, community organizers assembled and began chanting. Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC) lead chants such as “The cops in my hood, ain’t no good” and “National guard = national harm.” They highlighted the police crimes committed by MPA members and mocked the head of the MPA’s recent comments about asking President Trump to send the National Guard to Milwaukee.

As the MPA members began to show up, activists from groups like BLOC, Comités Sin Fronteras, Milwaukee For Palestine, and the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) spoke about the audacity of the MPA to demand more money when they already control so much of the City budget.

As the MPA began to move to their press conference spot, community members followed chanting. At the site of the press conference, community members were so loud and relentless, the MPA was forced to retreat. No other unions or community groups came to their aid, and they had to retreat into City Hall to march around the second floor. Activists followed and occupied the first floor of City Hall where they continued to out-chant and speak over the MPA.

State Representative Darrin Madison began to chant “Ain’t no power like the power of the people ‘cause the power of the people don’t stop!” Activists quickly took up the chant, and Casey Serrano of MAARPR spoke to the fact that the power of the people was able to drown out the MPA. Serrano asked the MPA where their allies were, and pointed out that the people of Milwaukee would never show up for the police. Chants of “Cut the Budget! Give Us Control!” rang out. Negotiations between the MPA and the City continue, and it is clear that the people of Milwaukee are against more money for the police.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #BLOC #MAARPR #CSF #MFP

Milwaukee, WI – In July, 2024 the racist and reactionary Republican Party descended on Milwaukee to hold its national convention and select a nominee for president. For years, community organizers had demanded that the city of Milwaukee give guarantees and concrete plans to stop the thousands of out-of-town police that came for the convention from committing crimes in the city with no accountability or oversight. City leaders dismissed these concerns, but on July 16, 2024, five officers from Columbus, Ohio murdered Samuel “Jah” Sharpe Jr.

Sharpe was a Black man living in a homeless encampment with his dog, Ices, in King Park over a mile away from the area where the RNC took place. Police Chief Norman was quick to say that police “saved a life” by murdering Sharpe, but the Sharpe family and community organizers were quick to point out that this was a blatant lie.

One year later on July 18, 2025, the Sharpe family gathered with community members in King Park to celebrate Sharpe’s life and remember the light he brought to the community. Family members, members of the encampment where he lived, and community organizers who knew him before his death all shared memories of a man quick to say, “I love you.” As people came through the celebration for pizza, popsicles and cold drinks, many could feel the warmth and love that Sharpe brought to his community.

The celebration of life is one piece of the Sharpe family’s ongoing fight to remember him and get justice for their loved one. Unfortunately, the Milwaukee district attorney declined to bring charges against any of the five officers who attacked Sharpe, and the family still does not have unredacted footage of that day.

Angelique Sharpe shared that she is still demanding answers from the Milwaukee Police Department about why Columbus police were so far from downtown, as well as a meeting with Chief Norman and the Fire and Police Commission to create policies that would stop out of town law enforcement from murdering Milwaukeeans in the future.

The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression will be holding a picket outside of the Milwaukee Police Department District 1 on July 30 with the Sharpe family to raise these demands.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #PoliceCrimes #MAARPR #NAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – March 25 marked the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Derek Chauvin and the Minneapolis Police Department. In 2020 Floyd’s murder sparked the largest uprising against police in decades in the United States, and even five years later his life brought together 250 Milwaukeeans to rally, march and eat as a community to honor his memory.

The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) and All People’s Gathering Church (APGC) cohosted the afternoon events in order to commemorate Floyd as a person, give voice to the lives of the many Milwaukeeans murdered by police and jails, and recommit to the struggle to end police crimes.

At the opening rally, speakers from the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and Black Leaders Organizing our Communities connected the fight to end police crimes to the immigrant rights movement, the labor movement and to Palestine. This connection was reflected in the crowd, as dozens of unionists and anti-war activists cheered.

Families of people murdered by police and jails in Milwaukee took the stage. Tracy Cole and Kerrie Hirte recounted the experiences of losing their children to the police and sheriffs, and it was clear why Floyd’s death was still able to draw so many people out five years later. The pain and suffering that the entire world watched over nine long minutes as Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck was matched by the realities that these mothers, two of many, had to live through in Milwaukee. The crowd was clearly ready to recommit to struggle long and hard for Community Control of the Police to end police crimes.

There was a proud march through one of Milwaukee’s historically Black neighborhoods, past murals depicting many people killed by the police including Floyd and Milwaukee locals like Sylville Smith.

Justin Blake, the uncle of Jacob Blake who was brutalized by the Kenosha Police Department, riled the crowd up by once again connecting the struggle against police crimes to many different struggles. The final speech, from Lo Cross of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, summed up the theme of the day, “We aren’t just gathered here to remember the George Floyd Rebellion as some distant memory, we’re gathered here to recommit to the struggle for workers’ rights, gender liberation, immigrant rights, and Black liberation because the struggle continues and we need to join forces to finish the job!”

After the demonstration, the community gathered to cook out, listen to music, and celebrate the lives of all victims of police murders. Neighbors expressed gratitude to have the chance to come together in remembrance of lost loved ones. MAARPR co-chair Aurelia Ceja expressed that the organization had celebrated George Floyd day for several years now and has no intention of stopping. While some across the country feel hopeless, it is clear that in Milwaukee people are optimistic and ready to commit to the struggle!

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #GeorgeFloyd #KillerCops #MAARPR #NAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – On a bright Saturday afternoon, a crowd of 1500 arrived outside of the FBI office to protest Friday’s arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan. Dugan was arrested by FBI agents after allegations of “obstruction of justice” during ICE’s attempted apprehensions of people inside the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

As details of her arrest and the charges are publicly revealed, it is becoming clear that the Trump administration and Kash Patel’s FBI sought to send a clear message to all people – comply or face the consequences. Dugan, according to reports, acted well within her rights and responsibilities as a representative of the judiciary branch, and her request of the ICE agents to produce a judicial warrant to enter a private space inside Milwaukee County Courthouse is not a crime.

When news of her arrest broke out, nearly 400 people massed outside of the Federal Building in Milwaukee to show support for Judge Dugan and to stand with immigrants. Later that day, the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) called for Saturday’s action outside of the FBI office in Saint Francis, Wisconsin. Once the crowd gathered, speakers from many organizations and elected officials offered remarks denouncing Dugan’s arrest, ICE and the FBI’s operations targeting immigrant communities in Milwaukee, and their escalated attacks on pro-Palestinian activists.

Speaking on behalf of the MAARPR, Casey Serrano explained, “We are here today with a clear message to the FBI, to the DOJ, and to Trump himself: Drop the charges now, stop the deportations and stop the raids!” These demands are drawing together a broad crowd of thousands of angry Wisconsinites who are fed up with the Trump administration.

The crowd held signs supporting Dugan, and as well as those calling for ending the genocide in Gaza, stopping the attacks on workers, ending racist detentions and deportations of immigrants, and supporting Medicare for all.

Speakers connected the dots across different struggles, pointing back to how the FBI has historically been utilized to repress the people’s movements. Alan Chavoya, speaking on behalf of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, stated, “in Freedom Road, we know a thing or two about throwing down with the FBI.” Chavoya continued, “We need to continue building this united front to take on Trump!”

Saturday’s action concluded with a picket line along the street in front of the FBI office. The crowd was galvanized and ready for more. This Thursday, May 1, we’ll be back in the streets fighting for the working class and immigrants as we join Voces de la Frontera for the annual May Day event.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #ImmigrantRights #MAARPR #InJusticeSystem #Trump #Feature

Milwaukee, WI – On Sunday, February 9, the Immigrant Rights work team of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) led a crowd of close to 500 participants in a march through Milwaukee’s South Side, which is home to a significant immigrant population.

This march was part of the Legalization for All’s national week of action, and there was overwhelming support from participants and community members who saw or drove by the march.

Alondra Garcia, an elementary school teacher, kicked things off with recounting her experience being reprimanded by her school’s principal for supporting undocumented students and mixed status families. Julissa Velazques, outreach chair of the MAARPR, explained the connections between the struggles for immigrant rights and against police crimes, stated, “Throughout this country, our immigrant brothers and sisters are being brutalized by ICE in similar ways that our Black, brown and poor siblings are being brutalized by the police here in Milwaukee.”

The crowd marched towards a statue of César Chávez, issuing chants calling for legalization for all, an end to deportation, and solidarity. At the statue, César Hernández of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement brought highlighted the importance of immigrant rights for organized labor. The need for unions capable of fighting for immigrant workers on the shop floor will be crucial in the years to come.

Speaking on behalf of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Kayla Patterson stated, “We, as revolutionaries, work in every mass movement because the masses are the makers of history. For every attack Trump and his cabinet launch at us, we’ll strike back tenfold in the streets.” Patterson continued, “FRSO spearheaded the massive marches on the RNC and DNC, and we are building the broadest movement possible that will continue to fight this racist agenda and will bring imperialism to its knees!”

The march returned to the Mitchell Park Domes for closing remarks. Sara Onitsuka, chair of the Milwaukee Antiwar Committee, stated, “What are often viewed as issues of domestic racism and xenophobia, actually stems from the effects of the U.S. war machine and the U.S. government’s agenda abroad.”

Speaking from their family’s experience, Onitsuka recounted how during WWII, “the U.S. found an opportunity to stoke racism against Japanese Americans in order to later occupy Japan and install dozens of military facilities.”

This march is the beginning of a broader fight in Milwaukee. The people spoke out today and showed that the people of Milwaukee are here to fight back against Trump’s policies. Immigrants are welcome in Milwaukee, and the movement is building the necessary momentum to defend them.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #ImmigrantRights #NAARPR #MAARPR #FRSO #MAC #Feature

Milwaukee, WI – On Monday, November 25, the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression held a press conference to comment on the recent findings of the jail audit that was released the week before. Two inmates’ mothers, Laquita Dunlap and Kerrie Hirte, spoke of their fights for justice and accountability.

The audit was conducted with input from fewer than 40 inmates, and with no public transparency or input whatsoever. The public expected to hear a preliminary report in December with the full audit report coming in 2025. Instead, the entire report was released suddenly and without any forewarning in November of 2024.

​The audit claims that the “mental health department at the Milwaukee County Jail stands out as a significant strength.” In fact, the audit took no input from families of loved ones who committed suicide in the Milwaukee County Jail.

Kerrie Hirte, the mother of Cilivea Thyrion, stated with teary eyes that her daughter was “tased, being picked on and her rights were not given.” Both Thyrion and her mother asked for her to be visited by a chaplain, and the jail denied it. Then, on December 12, 2022, Thyrion died of suicide in the Milwaukee County Jail at age 20. 

​Laquita Dunlap, the mother of Breion Green, also attended the press conference on Monday. Her son arrived at the Milwaukee County Jail in June of 2022 and committed suicide in less than an hour after being admitted.

The MAARPR statement stressed the importance of community input in this audit and highlighted the hypocrisy of some of the claims. While the audit reports that the mental health facilities of the jail are superb, another part of the audit explains how faulty the facility is. Auditors report watching an individual attempt suicide in a holding cell in front of them. They also report that the windows in cells which hold people on suicide watch are so dirty and full of scratches, that the guards are unable to conduct wellness checks on inmates, thus rendering the “constant” surveillance ineffective.

There is a great urgency around the jail audit. Milwaukee families and activists wants to know what is happening in the jail and how the deaths can be stopped. Six people died in the County Jail in an 18-month period from June 2022 to August 2023, and people incarcerated there can remain trapped for years. The Milwaukee Alliance statement demanded community input over the corrective strategies the County will put in place after the audit and promised to keep up the fight for transparency and accountability from the sheriff. 

#MilwaukeeWI #CCOP #InJusticeSystem #MAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – Reproductive rights supporters took to the streets, Saturday, November 9. Roughly 300 people gathered to hear speeches and speak out against the outrageous abortion restrictions in Wisconsin and across the U.S. 

Rally emcee Carly Klein of the Reproductive Justice Action-Milwaukee stated, “Many of you are out here today because you are enraged, terrified and heartbroken by the results of the presidential election. Our hope is that you are able to mobilize these emotions into action and join us in the fight for abortion access and safe and sustainable communities.” 

The group marched to the steps of the federal courthouse to hear speeches and chants for reproductive freedom. They met with overwhelming support from the public, with people joining as they marched on and continued to grow in size. 

Even though an 1849 feticide bill interpretation is being heard by the Supreme Court as to whether or not it applies to abortion, Wisconsin law still bans abortion after viability (as determined by physician), requires mandatory in-person consultation, 24-hour mandatory waiting period, and bans telemedicine consultations for abortion care. This particularly impacts oppressed nationalities and people in rural areas where access to abortion is difficult. 

Blake Jones, chair of RJA-M addressed the crowd, stating, “Our bodily autonomy has always been on the table and used as a bargaining chip, for Democrats and Republicans. Here in Wisconsin, reproductive health is almost an afterthought. Yes, abortion services have resumed, but barriers are still at every corner.” She went on to describe how cost, availability and travel are all ways that can prevent someone from getting an abortion, stating, “Abortion is healthcare, it shouldn’t be this complicated to get medical care for yourself.”

Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee was formed, with the help of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, shortly after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June of 2022. Since then, it has been a thriving grassroots organization, with wins such as getting a referendum sponsored by Milwaukee County Executives Martin, Clancy, and Martinez on the April 2023 ballot. The referendum, which read, “Should Wisconsin Statute 940.04, which bans abortion at any stage of pregnancy without exception for rape, incest, or health of the patient, be repealed to allow legal access to abortion care?” and it passed with 76.91% of the votes saying yes.

Since then, it’s been an uphill battle for abortion rights in Wisconsin; with abortion services being paused for a year after Roe v. Wade fell, and now only four clinics for the whole state. Klein went on to say, “The Trump administration and the reactionary Republican agenda is a threat to our bodily autonomy. However let us not forget that Roe fell under a Democratic presidency. Let us not forget that the Democrats had 50 years to codify abortion rights into law and failed us too.”

President Obama was asked about the Freedom of Choice Act in 2009. That act would have codified the right to: “bear a child; terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability; or terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect her life or her health,” into federal law. At that time, Obama said it “is not the highest legislative priority.”

Jones said, “As a Trump presidency comes on the horizon, now more than ever is the time to take control of your reproductive health, no matter what your future plans are,” adding, “We only have each other, and we must struggle for the intent of unity.”

#MilwaukeeWI #ReproRights #RoevWade #Trump #Abortion #MAARPR #ReproductiveJusticeActionMilwaukee #RJAM

Milwaukee, WI – Former President Trump returned to Milwaukee this past Friday, November 1, to speak at a rally at the Fiserv Forum, the same venue where he accepted the Republican presidential nomination during the Republican National Convention (RNC).

Once details of Trump’s visit were made public, the Milwaukee organizations who helped lead the Coalition to March on the RNC rallied together for an emergency protest to say no to Trump. Trump’s reactionary agenda stands against multiple movements that have a strong home in Milwaukee – anti-police crimes, reproductive justice, anti-war, labor, student, and Palestinian liberation.

Speaking to the question of reproductive justice, Allison Smith of Reproductive Justice Action – Milwaukee, stated, “we don’t want a man with a documented history of sexual misconduct. We want to remind him, and everyone else, that we did not stand idly by when our rights were stripped away in 2022, and we will not be silent now. We are committed to doing everything in our power to push back against right-wing attacks on reproductive healthcare and the healthcare system at large.”

Progressive elements of the labor movement have largely united against Trump on account of his prioritization of CEOs rather than workers and his vile attempts at sowing division among workers. While dividing the working class isn’t unique to Trump, his reliance on reactionary rhetoric has emboldened the reactionary elements of the U.S. population. Jacob Flom of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council made this point clearly, stating, “the labor movement stands for everything that Trump is against. Trump has tried to pit workers against each other by fostering anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ hate.”

With all the hatred Trump and his supporters have voiced against working and oppressed peoples, the imperative to take a firm stand against it and fight back became another consistent theme in the remarks of Friday night’s speakers. Speaking on behalf of the Milwaukee Antiwar Committee, Eva Dickenson, stated, “Trump’s comments on Palestinians have been sickening. He’s promised to put pro-Palestinian protesters like us in jail, and he has said that he wants to finish the job. No matter what he tries, he will never kill our spirit of resistance.” Aurelia Ceja, co-chair of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, carried a similar message forward, explaining “we’re united to show that Milwaukee is a fighting city.”

A Trump presidency will require mass organizations capable of standing up against the multiple attacks on various movements. Trump has made it clear that he’s an enemy of the people, and the only antidote against him will be mass movement. Speaking to the importance of organizing, Audari Tamayo of Freedom Road Socialist Organization stated, “We recognize the ballot box as an arena of struggle, but we say that the best way to fight reactionaries like Trump and his supporters is right here in the streets. Trump represents the U.S. empire in decline, but this system won’t fall on its own or through the ballot box. The real hammer of change will be socialism built by the working and oppressed people!”

Tuesday’s election is quickly approaching, and for the people of Milwaukee, the road ahead is one of struggle.

Milwaukee has become a must-visit location for Republicans and Democrats given the city’s significance for the Wisconsin vote, which will play a key role as a swing state. Regardless of the outcome, it will be up to the people of Milwaukee to fight like hell for what they need and deserve. Friday offered a small glimpse into how the progressive movements of Milwaukee intend on standing together post-election.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #2024Elections #Trump #PeoplesStruggles #Elections #NAARPR #MAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – On Tuesday, October 22, the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) and numerous families of those impacted by police violence, lack of transparency, and by the conditions in the Milwaukee County Jail honored their loved ones in a panel and vigil for Stolen Lives Day at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, with around 100 people in attendance.

The MAARPR and the families of Sam Sharpe Jr, Earl Lawhorn Jr, Dontre Hamilton, Sade Robinson, and many more have been fighting for police accountability, better conditions in the Milwaukee County Jail (MCJ), and general transparency for the families of victims.

For this year’s Stolen Lives Day commemoration, they crafted the following demands: release of unredacted, and accurate Brady List of Milwaukee Officers; Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that demands Milwaukee-Area Investigative Team/Milwaukee Police Department give more frequent and concrete updates on progress of an officer-involved shooting or homicidal investigation; and updating SOP 575 to give families control over what investigation details are released to the media.

The first portion of the Tuesday night’s program consisted of many families giving their stories. Lo Cross, co-chair of the Milwaukee Alliance, stressed the importance of having the families tell their stories, stating “these stories give fuel and strength to our mass movement.”

None of these Milwaukee families asked to be put into these situations. Debra Jenkins, mother of Larry Jenkins, expressed this by stating, “We didn’t choose to be in this group.” However, these families have found much optimism and strength supporting each other in order to continue fighting together. Taleavia Cole, sister of Alvin Cole, shared this sentiment, stating, “We have the power, we have the bigger voice.”

As families recounted details of their cases and the work they have done, it was obvious to all in attendance that Milwaukee is home to families who are helping shape the movement to end police crimes.

After the families spoke, the crowd then transitioned outside for a brief candlelight vigil, reading off a long list of police crimes victims in Milwaukee. This year’s Stolen Lives Day commemoration concluded with a direction towards upcoming actions to continue advancing the struggle.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #MAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – On July 28, the Milwaukee Anti-war Committee (MAC) held their second annual protest of the Milwaukee Air & Water Show. Around 70 people gathered at Cathedral Square Park, less than half a mile from Bradford Beach where the show was being held, before marching through downtown Milwaukee to the doorsteps of the show.

Anti-war and pro-Palestine protesters, environmentalists, veterans, other local organizations and neighbors joined MAC to show that the Air & Water Show is unpopular and harmful.

After opening remarks, the group took to the streets, marching near the Air & Water Show before stopping for speeches. Organizations like Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at UWM, the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR), and USPCN spoke about the Air Show for what it is – U.S. military propaganda falsely advertised as a “family-friendly” event, used to funnel people, often oppressed nationality people, into the U.S. war machine.

Connections between imperialism and violence at home were also highlighted – the latest example being the Air & Water Show coming just a few weeks after two people were shot and killed by police in Milwaukee.

“We understand the connections between the U.S. military and the militarization of police here,” said Sara Onitsuka, chair of MAC.

As military jets soared overhead, protesters held signs with slogans like “Those planes bomb children” Chants such as “Family friendly is a lie! Those planes are used for genocide!” echoed through downtown as cars honked and cheered in support.

After marching back to Cathedral Square Park, Audari Tamayo of Freedom Road Socialist Organization connected the Air & Water Show with violence we see abroad. They added, “What we see here with the Air & Water Show is imperialism – or capitalism in decay. It is the ruling class trying to grab at what is left of their failed system. Imperialism is the final stage of capitalism.”

This year was the second consecutive year of the Milwaukee Anti-war Committee protesting the Air & Water Show.

The event came shortly after the Republican National Convention was hosted in Milwaukee, where MAC and more than 100 local and national organizations marched and protested within sight and sound of the RNC.

“Just two weeks after the RNC, we are dealing with another event that many of us did not ask for,” said Sara Onitsuka of MAC.

The city of Milwaukee continues to put profit over people, and as they do, people continue to rise up and resist. “They know we are becoming organized! That's why they shamelessly attempt to repress our movements. Despite their best efforts, they have failed. They have failed because the movement only continues to rapidly grow,” Temayo declared.

#MilwaukeeWI #MAC #SDS #MAARPR #USPCN

Milwaukee, WI – As the Republican National Convention came to an end on Thursday, July 18, hundreds of law enforcement officers and dozens of media outlets circled a crowd gathered for a rally at Red Arrow Park demanding justice for D’Vontaye Mitchell and Samuel “Jah” Sharpe, Jr.

Mitchell, 43, died while being pinned down by the Hyatt Regency security guards on June 30. His case struck a chord with the Milwaukee community after video footage of his death made its way through social media. Mitchell’s family has been demanding the full release of the video and for charges to be leveled against the four security guards responsible for his death.

After hearing about Sharpe’s murder, Mitchell’s family invited them to take part in their rally and march on Thursday. As has been the case in Milwaukee, families impacted by police crimes tend to come together and forge bonds in order to struggle together for each other’s cases. Although the Mitchell case involves private security guards, the demands for transparency and accountability resonate with the Sharpe family’s demands.

Speaking at the rally, Naisha Mitchell, D’Vontaye’s older sister, stated, “They’re saying we need to wait for the autopsy report, but we saw the video. Why do we need to wait on the autopsy results to determine if these people need to be arrested or convicted of a crime? We saw them murder him in broad daylight.”

Katrina Gaines, Sharpe’s aunt, provided more background about her nephew. Gaines stated, “Most people who know Sam know he has MS and that his gait is unbalanced. He didn’t want us to feel like we were burdened to take care of him, and he told us that God told him to go and live in that community.”

As the days go by, more and more family and community members come out to speak about the kinds of caring and loving men Mitchell and Sharpe were. Contrary to the narratives depicted by law enforcement or city officials, Mitchell and Sharpe’s characters cannot simply be reduced to the seconds or minutes of footage capturing their final moments alive.

The families and community members at Red Arrow Park proceeded to take to the streets one more time to march within sight and sound of the Hyatt Regency, which was located within the credentialed zone of the RNC. In a symbolic juxtaposition of the landscape encapsulated by the RNC in Milwaukee, Trump was getting ready to accept his nomination while hundreds of protesters chanted and demanded justice for Mitchell and Sharpe. A wall of law enforcement agents formed in front of and to the side of the protesters, and after a few more remarks from the families, the protest returned to Red Arrow Park.

Thanks in large part to the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, the protest went in and out of the soft security perimeter of the RNC without any issues. Both families are demanding justice, transparency and accountability. The Milwaukee Alliance will continue working with both in order to achieve those demands.

#MilwaukeeWI #RNC2024 #MAARPR #PoliceCrimes

Milwaukee, WI – On Tuesday, July 16, five police officers with the Columbus, Ohio Police Department shot and killed 43-year-old Samuel “Jah” Sharpe Jr. These police officers came to Milwaukee to provide security for the Republican National Convention (RNC), but the shooting took place near 14th and Vliet Streets, which is more than seven blocks away from the RNC security perimeter.

Alan Chavoya, outreach chair of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, stated, “We warned the representatives of the city, of the Milwaukee Police Department, over the past two years that they were exposing our city to this kind of violence with the 4500 out-of-town police officers coming in for the RNC.”

As members of the community and media outlets gathered near the scene of the police crime, the crowd raised questions as to why police officers from Columbus were allowed to be unattended in King Park.

The community near the site of the shooting is familiar with “Tent City,” a local encampment where homeless people have taken refuge. Sharpe lived with people in Tent City, and according to his sister, Angelique Sharpe, and other residents of the area, he was a loving member of this community. The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) is well aware of the people living in Tent City, which makes it all the more dangerous to leave non-local police officers stationed alone near its residents.

Throughout the day, the community sought answers, and in less than 12 hours from the shooting, the Columbus PD released body camera footage of the shooting publicly. After much delay due to fear of hecklers, MPD Chief Jeff Norman spoke to media outlets and attempted to paint the narrative that Columbus officers took Sharpe’s life in order to save the life of the person he had an altercation with. People familiar with Sharpe explained that he had an altercation with the other individual because the other individual threatened Sharpe and his dog.

Once the truth was out about the shooting, the community gathered near the northwest corner of King Park to hold a community vigil. Speaking on behalf of the Milwaukee Alliance and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Lo Cross stated, “I am so tired of thoughts and prayers after police killings. The city expressed concern with ‘outside agitators’ and protesters, but those 4500 police officers coming into our city are the outside agitators that they should be worried about. They are the ones that bring violence to our community.”

Maria Hamilton expressed similar sentiments. Hamilton called the thousands of law enforcement agents in Milwaukee for the RNC an invasion, and she stated, “Do what you came to do and get out of our city!”

After the vigil, the community marched around King Park in honor of Sharpe. The emotions ran high throughout the night, but once again, Milwaukee showed the world that the people of Milwaukee are freedom fighters who take care of one another and keep each other safe. The movement against police crimes in Milwaukee continues to march forward.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #MAARPR #NAARPR #feature

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression is ecstatic to announce that the Milwaukee Police Association has dropped their lawsuit in opposition to Standard Operating Procedure 575. The Milwaukee Alliance has been fighting for SOP 575 since Memorial Day Weekend of 2021. This SOP will force the Milwaukee Police Department to release footage, including body camera footage, of critical incidents to the victims’ next of kin within 48 hours and the public within fifteen days. This is a huge victory for the people of Milwaukee and the first step towards true transparency and accountability between police and the community. For the first time, Milwaukeeans will have a hard timeline on when they can expect answers about police crimes in our communities.

We would be callous to celebrate without acknowledging how many Milwaukee community members have lost their lives in the last three years to police crimes both in the streets and the jails with no transparency and no footage released. We mourn these community members, and hope that this will force the release of their footage as well.

We would also be callous to celebrate without acknowledging that it took the murder of Samuel “Jah” Sharpe, Jr. at the hands of Columbus, Ohio police on July 16th to force this change. When Columbus police released video footage of Sharpe’s murder in less than 12 hours, it showed how important footage is to families and communities. However, this should have been standard from the beginning—not to mention the fact that Columbus police never should have been anywhere near King Park. Shame on the MPA and MPD for holding up SOP 575 until one of our own was murdered by out of town police. Shame on the City of Milwaukee for letting police murder people with no accountability.

The Milwaukee Alliance reaffirms that our ultimate goal is Community Control of the Police, and transparency through measures like SOP 575 is just the beginning. We continue our fight for justice for Samuel “Jah” Sharpe, Jr., D’Vontaye Mitchell, Brieon Green, Cilivea Thyrion, Jay Anderson, Roberto Zielinski, Dontre Hamilton, and all victims of police crimes. Additionally, we reaffirm our commitment to work with families to get justice for their loved ones and reaffirm our gratitude and admiration for their strength and fighting spirit. We are setting our sights on campaigns to audit the County Jail and to stop deadly police chases in Milwaukee. These campaigns will be successful because as we know from the SOP 575 fight: when we fight, we win!

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #PoliceBrutality #KillerCops #MAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – On Sunday, April 14, the Milwaukee Anti-war Committee (MAC) marched from Walker Square to Ivy House in the Walker’s Point neighborhood of Milwaukee, where local congressional Representative Gwen Moore was holding her birthday party.

The spirited crowd of about 100 supporters joined the emergency action and marched toward the Ivy House, chanting “Hands off Iran!” and “Free free Palestine!” the whole way over. Meanwhile, two MAC members mingled inside Moore’s birthday dinner. Despite the birthday party costing a pricey $100 per person to attend, serving as a fundraiser for Representative Moore, the two MAC members had secured complimentary tickets and sat patiently.

As the marching crowd slowly walked up to the building chanting, the MAC members inside the birthday dinner event stood up and challenged Moore on her position on Palestine, demanding she vote to end aid to Israel and to sign HR 3103, a bill that would limit funding to Israel. The protesters inside the birthday event were kicked out onto the street and met with cheers and applause as they joined the outdoor protest crowd.

The first speaker outside Ivy House, MAC Chair Sara Onitsuka, began to speak. They were commending the bravery of the protesters inside when a woman later identified as Representative Moore’s daughter, Jessalynne Moore, suddenly came up behind them and attempted to grab and wrestle away the microphone from Onitsuka’s hands.

The protest’s security team responded immediately, blocking Moore from stepping any closer and holding off J. Moore’s husband as well, who was shoving and threatening the security team.

The disruption failed, and the cheers and chants only grew louder as the crowd shouted, “Hands off, shame on you!” at Jessalynne Moore and her husband as they walked away.

The rally continued and the audience heard from multiple speakers from other organizations, including the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine, Students for a Democratic Society at UW-Milwaukee, Milwaukee 4 Yemen, Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR), and Freedom Road Socialist Organization. US Palestinian Community Network also co-sponsored the event.

The speakers were united in their demand for “Hands off Iran” and in their solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. They understood that Iran’s attack on Israel was a justified response to Israel’s bombing of the Iranian Consulate in Syria weeks earlier. Iran went on record after its response to Israel, saying that the attack had concluded, and no further action would be taken unless Israel provoked them again.

Jacob Flom from Freedom Road Socialist Organization spoke to Iran’s response and the broader implications for anti-imperialist resistance, stating, “The U.S. and Israel downplay successes of the resistance. They want us to despair and see no alternative to their imperialism and genocide. But the tide is turning, and we are seeing the genocidal Israeli regime and U.S. imperialism face consequences for the decades of terror they have perpetrated.”

Alan Chavoya of MAARPR further contextualized Iranian support for Palestine. Speaking passionately, he said of the Iranian people, “There’s a couple of things that are truthful for them: their love for soccer, their incredible food, their brilliant minds, and their unconditional support for Palestine.”

As support for Israel wanes globally, countries around the world and their people continue to rise up in support of Palestine, as part of a wider struggle against Israel and U.S. imperialism. Añita Herrezuelo of Milwaukee 4 Yemen brought home this message, stating, “The decline of the U.S. empire sparks a global yearning for freedom and self-determination,” adding, “Together, we hold the power to enact change. The power lies with the people, and we will wield it in the streets until our cries are heard.”

After confronting Representative Gwen Moore, the Milwaukee Anti-war Committee and supporters are undeterred in their demands for Moore to sign bill HR 3103; an end to U.S. aid to Israel; hands off Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and for a free Palestine.

#MilwaukeeWI #AntiWarMovement #International #Iran #Palestine #FRSO #MAARPR #MAC #Feature