Milwaukee, WI – Thousands of people attended the “Hands Off” rally in downtown Milwaukee on April 5, ready to fight back against Trump, Musk and the racist and reactionary agenda of the Republican Party.

“Today shows a broad, united front in Milwaukee. Looks at all the signs around you, they represent us taking the fight to Trump, fighting for workers, immigrants, Palestine, reproductive rights and our students!” said Alan Chovoya, a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

“This will be the key to defeating Trump; the people united and advancing our progressive movements in the streets, campuses, shop floors and our communities,” Chavoya continued.

The event was organized by 50501, Voces de la Frontera, the Milwaukee Area Labor Council and members of Freedom Road Socialist Organization. The AFL-CIO encouraged union members to show up after Trump’s assault on federal workers, such as his having taken away collective bargaining rights for about 700,000 workers less than two weeks ago.

“There has never been a more important time to be organized than today,” said AFSCME member Jacob Flom. “We are in for a long fight, so we need to build organizations capable of weathering the highs and lows.”

Flom continued, “But the thousands of us who came out today know that this isn’t the time to back down, it’s time to be bold, organize and build a better world!”

The crowd was estimated to be 8000 at the height of the protest and included many who were attending their first protest.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #PeoplesStruggles #Trump #50501 #MALC #FRSO #VocesDeLaFrontera #Feature

Milwaukee, WI – On January 15, Milwaukee Alderwoman Laressa Taylor held a press conference to condemn the proposal for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in the city’s 9th District.

More than 200 local people, many from Milwaukee’s Black and brown communities, gathered in front of the proposed detention facility site, demonstrating their willingness to fight back against the facility and demanding that their voices are heard.

The press conference began with Alderwoman Taylor explaining the proposed modifications to the building, including adding a sally port and a chain link fence with privacy slats.

Nearly all the speakers denounced the lack of community input and consent, especially by those most directly affected in District 9. Additionally, speakers highlighted the importance of keeping families together and demanded public input and accountability over this process.

Anita Johnson, resident of District 9 and board member of the African American Roundtable (AART) – also located in District 9 – explained, “We don’t split families up. We don’t want ICE in this state. Period.”

Commenting on the press conference, a member of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression (MAARPR) explained their rejection of the proposed ICE facility, stating, “The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression (MAARPR) stands for community control of the police. We believe that people should have control whether ICE facilities and Department of Homeland security facilities can be put in our backyard. There's been no community input on moving this facility to district 9 and no community input whether Milwaukee wants to continue to have any ICE facility in our backyard. It is time the city reevaluates their relationship with ICE. We demand a sanctuary city now!”

The press conference ended with an impromptu chant: “No I-C-E in M-K-E!”

After the press conference, community members and organizations stuck around to socialize with one another. A member of the Milwaukee Students for Democratic Society (SDS) handed out flyers for the 24th Annual MLK Rally and March, which would include discussions linking immigration with issues like police crimes.

Voces de la Frontera, a local immigrant rights organization, discussed how they would fit organizing against this facility into their larger fight. Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, a grass roots neighborhood group, explained how the zoning exception given to the facility showed the importance of changing zoning laws. There were clear signs that organizers from all over Milwaukee plan to incorporate the fight against the facility into their work.

Based on the January 15 press conference, it’s clear that the city of Milwaukee will continue to stand up and fight back. We will continue to organize for community control of the police, including Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). And we will continue to stand with immigrant rights!

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #ImmigrantRights #ICE #DHS #VocesDeLaFrontera #NAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – In spite of gusts of wind in excess of 50 miles per hour, more than 250 people marched from the office of Wisconsin’s premier immigrant rights organization, Voces de la Frontera, to the office of reactionary U.S. Senator Ron Johnson on the afternoon of May 1. The focus of the march was on essential immigrant workers.

The action was kicked off in the streets outside the recently-opened Voces headquarters. A few speeches, a song, and a prayer got the people in attendance ready to march. Marchers then made their way downtown to pay Senator Johnson’s office a visit. Along the way, people chanted in both English and Spanish: “The people united will never be defeated / El pueblo unido jamás será vencido,” “Sí se puede” and “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here!”

While the action was hosted exclusively by Voces de la Frontera, many different people’s organizations turned out in support. Trade unionists representing the Young Workers Committee of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council joined with members of Teamsters Local 344 to demonstrate solidarity. Community organizations like the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression mobilized in force, helping to lead chants along the march. And it wouldn’t be May Day without the socialist organizations that turned out in support, including the Freedom Road Socialist Organization with a strong contingent.

The march ended in the street outside of Senator Johnson’s offices. Speeches there were highlighted by the daughter of VDLF leader Christine Neumann-Ortiz as the keynote. Traditionally, Neumann-Ortiz has served as the headline speaker, but she along with a group of other Voces leaders and supporters were marching in Washington, D.C. The speeches called for an end to deportations, COVID recovery for all and citizenship for all.

May Day fell on President Joe Biden’s 100th day in office. It’s notable that under the new Democrat administration, deportations have continued, including an increase from the Trump administration for people of particular origins, such as Haitians. It remains to be seen whether the Biden-Harris administration will meet the demands of the people, but what is certain is that the people will not stop fighting until they have achieved victory in the struggle for justice and liberation.

#MilwaukeeWI #OppressedNationalities #PeoplesStruggles #ChicanoLatino #internationalWorkersDay #VocesDeLaFrontera #MayDay2021

Milwaukee, WI – On January 20, the date of Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th president of the United States, the Brown Berets of Milwaukee led a rally and car caravan demanding the incoming administration take action to resolve issues regarding immigrants. The three broad demands were: 1) Put an end to the policy of family separation; 2) Close the concentration camps; and 3) Provide an immediate pathway to citizenship for the undocumented. Other demands were put forward that delved into more particular circumstances, but these three formed the thrust of the action.

Nearly 30 cars joined in the car caravan, marked up with messages of “Abolish ICE” and “Full rights for immigrants now!” The rally started at the corner of South 16th Street and National Avenue on Milwaukee’s Southside, home to a majority of the city’s Latino community. From there, the caravan traveled west to South 27th Street, where the cars stopped, and attendees gathered to hear speakers.

“Over the next 100 days, we must be relentless on our demands,” said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera, a prominent immigrant and workers rights non-profit. “And that’s why we stand here in solidarity today, because we’re gonna make sure that [the Biden administration’s proposals] are not just promises but that we actually see some proof of many years of struggle. Sí, se puede!”

After the speeches, the car caravan rolled out once more. The route took the caravan across the bridge on 27th Street that divides the Northside from the Southside. The procession stopped just past the midway point to unfurl a banner with the demands on it. After the banner drop, the caravan made its way back to the starting point where final remarks were shared.

The Brown Berets made clear repeatedly that they look forward to working together with the various mass organizations in Milwaukee to achieve their goals and advancing the struggle of oppressed people in the city. Their message of a united front of progressive organizations is a continuation of the theme that developed over the summer uprisings. The historic narrative of segregation in Milwaukee was challenged by the mass demonstrations that brought together people of all nationalities in the fight for justice.

The continued development of unity between organizations like the Brown Berets, Voces de la Frontera, the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, among others, bodes well for the future of the movements for equality, justice and liberation in the city.

#MilwaukeeWI #PeoplesStruggles #immigrantRights #BrownBerets #VocesDeLaFrontera

Madison WI – Thousands gathered on, May 1 in celebration of May Day in Wisconsin’s capital. Voces de la Frontera hosted the event and were able to bring in more than 17 different cities to attend.

The march and rally were not only in celebration of May Day, but also to put pressure on Wisconsin Republicans to pass legislation that would allow undocumented people to reinstate their driving licenses.

Hector Hernandez said, “We drove almost three hours this morning to demand drivers licenses. We cannot continue to be harassed by police when all we are trying to do is take our children to school.” Currently, Governor Evers has included measures in his budget proposal that would allow undocumented people to obtain a driver’s license.

The people came out in celebration on May Day, and they will continue to demand and fight for drivers licenses for all.

#MadisonWI #OppressedNationalities #MayDay #PeoplesStruggles #ChicanoLatino #VocesDeLaFrontera #Socialism #driversLicensesForAll

Madison, WI – 200 community members organized by the Milwaukee based Voces de la Frontera and Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES) traveled to the state capitol in Madison to oppose anti-immigrant legislation on Jan. 20. There are three bills in the assembly currently targeting immigrants: AB-450, AB-533 and LRB-2818.

AB-450, if passed, will prevent city and county resolutions that prohibit immigration status inquiries from local authorities. This bill will allow local authorities and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to collaborate by giving local officials authority to begin enforcement actions, as well as informing other units of government about the presence of undocumented immigrants. AB-450 has been referred to the Committee on Urban and Local Affairs.

The second bill, AB-533, is a direct response to the victory the Milwaukee immigrant community had only a few months ago, when the city and county governments approved of issuing state IDs to undocumented immigrants. AB-533 would prohibit cities and counties from creating such identification cards that can be used for basic personal information to establish proof of residence or obtain health services.

LRB-2818, the third anti-immigrant bill, will prevent people without a license to register vehicles under their name. This bill will not only impact the undocumented people, but also those who do not have a driver’s license.

Florencio Mondragon, a community member who attended the Jan. 20 hearing, demanded representatives oppose LRB-2818. Florencio said, “Work is far from where I live, a car is important to have especially in the winter times. The town I live in is small, and there is not much public transportation available. Authorities should be focusing on the real issues and crimes. This is not a fair way to treat people. I contribute to the state by paying taxes and staying out of trouble, I just want to live a simple life.

2016 has begun with anti-immigrant action and rhetoric coming from all levels of the state government, as well as the Republican presidential candidates. Groups like YES and Voces will continue to mobilize in opposition to these three bills, both at the state capitol and in the streets.

#MadisonWI #immigrantRights #VocesDeLaFrontera #YouthEmpoweredInTheStruggleYES

Milwaukee, WI – The case of the forced disappearance of 43 Ayotzinapa students in Iguala, Mexico continues to draw immense support from communities across the nation, including Milwaukee, where over 150 students and community members participated in the Caravana 43 event on the UW-Milwaukee’s campus April 2.

The Caravana 43, a caravan named after the number of disappeared students, is composed of family members and fellow Ayotzinapa comrades who are touring the U.S. to share the truth about the incidents that occurred in Mexico the night of Sept. 26, 2014, as well as other issues affecting Mexican communities internationally.

The Caravana delegation brought the mother and uncle of two of the 43 disappeared and a fellow student who survived the night that Iguala police cowardly attacked the Normalistas (rural student teachers). The panel discussion shed light on the Ayotzinapa incidents as well as on what could be considered the roots of the problem.

U.S. foreign policy was discussed throughout the program. The panelists discussed the importance of speaking about the Merida Initiative, as it has contributed to the violence now widely spread in Mexico. The Merida Initiative is a bilateral economic agreement between the U.S. and Mexico that pours millions of dollars per year into the Mexican state to 'combat' organized crime and criminal organizations. The initiative also sends U.S. arms into Mexico.

According to the delegation, the more the U.S. supplies the Mexican government, the more they help the drug cartels, as they are the ones that in part enjoy the benefits of the Merida Initiative. They also expressed anger with this policy and the overall U.S. backed neo-liberal efforts, such as NAFTA, which has further marginalized poor and indigenous communities, has spread more violence to Mexican communities, and has expanded the cartels.

The delegation asked the audience to call and write letters to members of congress demanding the U.S. end aid to Mexico through the Merida Initiative.

According to the panelists, this is not the first time the Mexican government has carried out large scale attacks on students. These events have continuously occurred and have been covered up by Mexican authorities. The most infamous precedent is the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre, the event which the Normalistas were preparing to commemorate before their 2014 disappearance.

The Caravana delegation expressed frustration with the Mexican authorities for their lack of cooperation with the families of the 43. According to the delegation, the Mexican state has denied reports to the families, including reports on telecommunications and forensics.

The Mexican state has stated that they have found the bodies of 28 of the disappeared in a mass grave, which was proven false by outside forensic teams. The surviving Normalista, Omar Garcia, stated, the government offered the families “chicken and cow bones” claiming that they were remnants of the 43.

“It opened my eyes and exposed me to the truth,” said Eric Corona, who attended the Caravan event. “Hearing the atrocities happening to students like me in Mexico gave me goose bumps,” said Yoselin Colorado, who attended the panel as well.

The panelists asked the public to look for alternative modes of obtaining news. They asked the public to stop watching Televisa and TV Azteca as these mainstream news sources are bought by the Mexican state and only misinform the people about what is occurring with the Ayotzinapa case.

The Caravana 43 delegation closed by stating, “We must stand our ground and not give up,” and “We must lose fear to be strong.” As a final request, they asked the public to continue spreading the word about Ayotzinapa as well as participate in international solidarity actions happening the 26th of every month.

The event was organized by Youth Empowered in the Struggle-UWM in collaboration with Voces de la Frontera and Caravana 43.

Vivos se los llevaron, vivos los queremos!

#MilwaukeeWI #Mexico #VocesDeLaFrontera #Ayotzinapa #Caravana43 #YouthEmpoweredInTheStruggleUWM #Americas

Milwaukee, WI – Voces de la Frontera, Youth Empowered in the Struggle and community members protested at the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services building in downtown here, May 29, to condemn the May 27 immigration raids. About 22 people were picked up and arrested at their homes and workplaces in the raids.

The immigration sweep was carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cooperation with the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD). The sweep was executed systematically, digging into government archives in order to find any excuse to validate the arrests. The victims that were picked up by the MPD were accused of bogus and irrelevant charges and included cases which had already been closed.

The community members detained by the MPD are in diverse stages of the deportation process, with some of them already in the Juno, Wisconsin Detention center and some others in county jail on an ICE hold. After the arrests, MPD officers prevented any type of direct communication between the detainees and their loved ones or their lawyers. Eventually, lawyers were allowed to directly communicate with the detainees as their cases progressed.

The actions carried out by ICE occurred due to a federal quota system known as the ‘bed mandate’, where all detention center beds need to be occupied.

Community members at the rally condemned ICE’s and MPD’s actions and described them as variously as violent, unfair, appalling, inexcusable, inhumane and terroristic.

“The raids happened at people’s homes in front of their families,” Cynthia Tellez, one of the attendees and member of Youth Empowered in the Struggle, commented on the incident. “How can this be done in the name of [national] security? That’s inhumane!”

Another target of furious chants and speeches was the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and other liberal organizations which are asking president Obama to delay any type of executive action to stop or reduce deportations. SEIU’s statement coincides with the same day the sweep happened.

“The SEIU have sold out the movement in an attempt to win over the right wing on this issue. In the meantime, more than a thousand a day will continue to be deported,” said Sean Orr, a local immigrant rights activist. “Organized labor needs to support legalization for all, not more delays.”

The organizers of the rally plan on continue the fight to free the 22 detainees and to prevent any more immigration raids. They have scheduled call-ins for the coming days. Here is the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/478322572314345/

#MilwaukeeWI #immigrantRights #ImmigrationAndCustomsEnforcementICE #VocesDeLaFrontera #NoMasDeportaciones

Milwaukee, WI – In the drizzling rain and chilly temperatures, several thousand immigrants, workers and family members marched from Milwaukee’s South Side to the County Courthouse downtown, demanding an end to ICE raids in the courts and legalization for all.

In recent months, it has been revealed that the local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office has been sending plainclothes agents to the municipal and county courthouses to detain any undocumented immigrant they can get their hands on. Utilizing this illegal practice, hundreds if not thousands of immigrants have been detained and deported – the vast majority not having committed any crimes.

Mothers have been detained and deported after visiting the court to get a birth certificate for their newborn child. Countless immigrants have been deported for paying off parking and driving tickets at court, since the undocumented are not allowed to have drivers licenses in Wisconsin.

For these outrageous actions, and as 1100 immigrants are daily being deported from across the country, thousands of Milwaukeeans rallied at the County Courthouse May 1, saying “Ya basta!” to ICE and the racist immigration system.

Commenting on the smaller size of the march this year as compared to previous ones, organizer Denis Montero said, “I think people feel cynical and see no end to the struggle. We need victories to keep momentum.” With Congress stalled and unable to propose any useful reform, it is becoming more evident to the immigrant rights movement that the demand must be on President Obama to grant Deferred Action for all 11 million undocumented immigrants. The movement in Milwaukee will continue to organize around this demand, along with the local fight to drive ICE out of the courts.

#MilwaukeeWI #MayDay #internationalWorkersDay #May1 #VocesDeLaFrontera

Milwaukee, WI – Taking a stand against courthouse intimidation by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), immigrant rights organizers at Voces de la Frontera rallied outside the ICE office in downtown Milwaukee on February 24, 2014.

On a freezing winter day, dozens of students, workers, and community members rallied in solidarity with the case of Jose Calderon and for all undocumented immigrants subject to ICE harassment at the courts. In a clear case of racial profiling, ICE is targeting Mexican and Central American people who come to court in southeast Wisconsin. ICE appears on days when Spanish interpreters are scheduled for court. Even witnesses to crimes are being harassed and threatened by ICE.

Jorge Maya with Voces de la Frontera explained, “This type of racist, intimidating, and senseless practice that ICE conducts, has got to be ended. Undocumented immigrants should not be treated like criminals, families should not have to be separated, and communities should not have to be harassed just to keep up with a deportation quota.”

The case of Jose Calderon, a Voces de la Frontera member, sparked an outrage against ICE courthouse raids in Milwaukee communities. Calderon is facing deportation proceedings after paying a fine for driving without a license and attending a hearing. With no previous criminal record, Calderon’s deportation proceeding will be devastating to his two U.S.-born children.

More and more, undocumented immigrants are detained at courthouses by undercover ICE agents, interrogated, and then sent for deportation proceedings. In an attempt to either pay a ticket, or serve as a witness to a crime, undocumented immigrants are subject to profiling by these clandestine ICE agents. Courthouses can be added to the list of worrisome places for undocumented people.

The demands made by local movement leaders include: a meeting with the director of ICE, an investigation by ICE on the arrests and interrogation practices of its Milwaukee Field Office, and a plea to add courthouses to ICE’s list of sensitive locations, such as churches, schools, and shopping centers.

The demands are included in a letter that Calderon deposited in the mail to be sent to the Department of Homeland Security. The rally ended with a vibrant feeling of solidarity and chanting. One community member commented, “This is just the beginning, we will be back.”

Currently, undocumented immigrants are deported at the rate of 1,100 per day. ICE raids target workplaces, and even the homes of undocumented immigrants. March 2014 is when President Obama will reach 2 million deportations.

Immigration reform by Congress is not likely any time soon, and people cannot wait for Congress to act. President Obama is being pressured to extend Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to all 11 million undocumented immigrants to grant relief from deportations. Undocumented immigrants continue organizing towards, “Legalization for all!”

#MilwaukeeWI #ICE #VocesDeLaFrontera

Milwaukee, WI – More than 50 people came together here, July 12, for a Solidarity Dinner, followed by a mass picket to support the striking Palermo’s pizza workers. The Solidarity Dinner, held at United Lodge 66, brought together Palermo’s workers and members of Students for a Democratic Society, Voces de la Frontera, the Machinists, Occupy and other supporting organizations. More than $700 was raised to support the strike.

#MilwaukeeWI #StudentsForADemocraticSociety #VocesDeLaFrontera #PalermosPizza #pizzaWorkersStrike

Madison, WI – “Governor Scott Walker, we reject your budget!” Ben Manski said to the roar of applause at a huge rally here, May 14. “Time for you to step down!”

The We Are Wisconsin rally at the state capitol drew over 20,000 people as protest activities continue all throughout Wisconsin to counter Governor Scott Walker's war on the poor and working people.

Governor Walker began his assault on organized labor last February when, just days into office, he attempted to rush through an emergency budget repair bill. The emergency budget bill intends to cripple unions with language that would virtually eliminate collective bargaining for most public sector unions in the state. Hundreds of thousands rose up, surrounded and occupied the state capitol. After finally forcing the bill through the assembly and senate weeks later, Gov. Walker still finds his bill tied up in the courts.

The rally was brought together by the We Are Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Wave coalitions. Protesters were there not only to defeat the budget repair bill, but also the proposed budget that intends to cut hundreds of millions from public education, decrease taxes for the rich and increase taxes to the sum of $49 million for the poor.

Another strong message at the rally was the need for support of immigrant rights. Latinos and immigrants to Wisconsin are facing an attack that may look to turn Wisconsin into the next Arizona. A march in Milwaukee on May 1 was the largest May Day rally in the country.

Christian, an undocumented high school student from Milwaukee, representing Youth Empowered in the Struggle, the youth wing of Voces de la Frontera spoke at the rally, “We have been marching with you for months.”

#MadisonWI #GovernorScottWalker #VocesDeLaFrontera #YouthEmpoweredInTheStruggle #WeAreWisconsin #WisconsinWave

Milwaukee, WI – Tens of thousands marched here, May 1, in the Wisconsin Solidarity March for Immigrant and Worker Rights. Sponsored by Voces de la Frontera, the march wove through Milwaukee's south side up through downtown. Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, spoke at the rally, urging the immigrant rights and labor movements to unite to fight a common enemy, one that's brought an immense attack on public sector unions and is also attacking immigrants.

Just after Governor Walker rammed through legislation that would strip public sector unions of their collective bargaining rights, state Republicans geared up to pass an Arizona-like racial profiling immigration law. The march today demanded: “Stop Racist Arizona Copycat Law; Defend In-State Tuition for Immigrant Students; Defend Collective Bargaining Rights; and Stop [Wisconsin Governor] Walker's Budget Cuts to Education and Health Care.”

Members of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression attended the rally, marched in support and petitioned as well. “We are proud to be part of a national effort to gather support for the many Midwesterners who have been facing government repression for their organizing around antiwar and international solidarity,” commented Daniel Ginsberg.

Jhoselinn Perez was one of the many young and energetic marchers. “I was marching today because the working class and the oppressed masses has kept quiet far too long and being a part of the uprising is as close as I can get to personally experiencing the uncapped potential of the people,” she said.

The march was loud, vibrant and, with inspiration from the uprising in Madison over collective bargaining rights, many people felt like they will truly be able to turn the tide against these attacks from the ruling class.

#MilwaukeeWI #Labor #StudentsForADemocraticSociety #SDS #MayDay #FreedomRoadSocialistOrganization #internationalWorkersDay #May1 #frso #VocesDeLaFrontera

Participants took the opportunity to discuss the legislation, ask questions and plan actions to protest immediately upon its introduction. The great turnout to this meeting proves the dedication that this community has for its rights. This is not the first time Voces de la Frontera has brought together Milwaukee residents to discuss such important legislation. Joseph Oulahan, facilitator for the meeting and board member of Voces de la Frontera said, “We’re lucky to have Voces de la Frontera because other states where this has been happening don’t have the same support.”

Among many of the problems with this legislation, as with Arizona’s SB1070, is that it would promote discrimination by requiring that everyone carry identification that proves their legal status in the United States. People without the proper documents would risk being arrested, sent to jail and deported. Of course, this new law would disproportionately Latinos, African Americans and Native Americans, who would be stopped and questioned more frequently. The proposal would send Wisconsin back to the era before the civil rights movement.

The impact of such a law would severely impact the economy in Wisconsin. Contrary to what Governor Scott Walker’s campaign said, he is not ‘creating jobs’ but eliminating thousands of them. If all undocumented workers left Wisconsin, the state would lose $2.6 billion in economic activity and a total of $1.2 billion in state product and about 14,579 workers. Immigrant workers make up over 40% of workers on dairy farms (around 5,316 workers). Moreover, the anti-immigrant climate would cause Latinos – documented or not – to leave the state, causing a loss of taxes, businesses to close, the abandonment of homes and declining home values ​​when more people leave their neighborhoods.

For all those families and activists present, being in a room full of other people willing to fight against an unjust law was not just a fight for social justice, but a fight for many of our close friends and relatives. As tough as this struggle appeared in front of us, many encouraging and powerful words were given from the audience. “Together, with or without papers, we make this country!” said a community member.

The meeting ended with high energy with all those present chanting: “El pueblo unido, jamás será vencido! Sí se puede!” [The people united, will never be defeated! Yes we can!]

#MilwaukeeWI #SB1070 #GovernorScottWalker #VocesDeLaFrontera

Madison, WI – Thousands are still protesting at the Capitol here, March 1. Amidst tight security, including erecting concrete barriers outside the Capitol and denying the public entry into the building, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker delivered his budget address this afternoon.

Gov. Walker aims to destroy public sector unions, slash public school funding while increasing state aid for private schools, section off the University of Wisconsin-Madison for further privatization, weaken and eventually eliminate state welfare programs and deny in-state tuition for undocumented students. These are just some examples of the all out attack on working and oppressed people.

Felisha Burgos, a student at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee and a member of Voces De la Frontera's Youth Empowered in the Struggle, has been regularly attending protests against Walker's attacks. “I continue to protest in Madison because I believe in my teachers and the rights of state workers, in fact all workers. We were the first state to grant union workers rights and I believe Walker is taking us in the wrong direction. Forward not backward!” she says.

The occupation of the State Capitol has been going through challenges in the last couple days. An incredible protest on Feb. 27 involved hundreds of workers and students and defied a 4:00 p.m. ultimatum to wipe the Capitol building clean of dissent. Then, on Feb. 28 the police had the building locked down all day and welded shut a bathroom window that had been used to sneak in food and supplies so occupiers could stay inside the building when the outside doors were locked. Dozens of people have kept up the visible presence at the Capitol by creating a tent city on the outside, despite very cold nights.

March 2, marks the National Day of Action for Education Rights. Dozens of Students for Democratic Society (SDS) chapters will be participating in the action, from Texas to North Carolina, but all eyes are on the protests being planned in Wisconsin. Members of SDS at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are planning a walkout that will include a worker contingent of AFSCME and AFT members.

“Tomorrow's protest is important because it will be a big show of solidarity with those at the Capitol,” says Peter Adamczak of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee SDS. “The rally tomorrow will promote a unified voice of the people, not the power of money.”

#MadisonWI #StudentsForADemocraticSociety #AFSCME #unionBusting #CollectiveBargaining #GovernorScottWalker #Wisconsin #publicSectorUnions #VocesDeLaFrontera