The seats are full as the Madison Common Council is about to go into session. Ald. Shive Bidar-Sielaff, who plans to introduce a resolution condemning Sheriff Dave Mahoney's policy of reporting illegal immigrants to ICE, seems to have done very good outreach on the issue. Dozens of Latino and Asian residents have come to show their support for the resolution.
For instance, in addition to a member of the Equal Opportunities Commission speaking in favor of the resolution, several high school students, representing Freedom Inc., an outreach organization for Southeast Asian victims of domestic violence, spoke against Mahoney's policy.
"Growing up, we learned that policeman are the good guys," says one Madison East student. "Women and children must be able to trust that local law enforcement will be able to bring effective solutions to end violence in their families and in their communities," says another activist.
"Do you have your proof of citizenship right now? As people of color, these are things we need to have on us."
Two women are wearing shirts that ask, "Do I look 'Illegal'?"
Madison Police Chief Noble Wray is here in uniform. Wray is known to oppose the policy of reporting illegal immigrants to ICE. Let's see if he speaks on the issue tonight.
