3 More Arrested In Apparent ICE Raid In Racine

RACINE, WI — Faith community leaders in Racine say that in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 7, 2018, three immigrant men were targeted and arrested in Racine, Wisconsin by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Witnesses say the men were followed and arrested following the same pattern in which ICE agents followed and arrested Racine resident, Ricardo Fierro, two weeks prior, according to the Racine Faith Coalition. Racine officials, community members and clergy have called for his immediate release.

A city-wide protest and march has been called for Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 3:30 pm. This non-violent march will begin at Racine Family Dollar store - near where the men live and were arrested - at 2341 Rapids Drive. Protesters will march east to Douglas Avenue through a predominately Hispanic neighborhood.

Community Leader Arrested

Community leader and volunteer Ricardo Fierro was taken into custody by Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at his home in Racine.

Fierro, who is considered as an undocumented immigrant by authorities, was best known in the as the former local director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In recent years, Fierro served on the City of Racine Mayoral Advisory Board, Immigration Task Force Chairman for the Racine Interfaith Coalition, the Racine Unified School District Middle School Transformation Committee and the RUSD Diversity and Equity Task Force.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with freeing Fierro and helping his family re-unite.

Numerous community leaders have called for Fierro's release, including Racine Mayor Cory Mason, who had this to say about his colleague:

Ricardo Fierro has been a model resident of the City of Racine. He has worked with my
predecessors and acted in an advisory role, mostly with regard to immigration issues. He is a
family man of upright character who is active at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and with his
children’s education. Mr. Fierro has worked with many individuals in the highest levels of our
community, including Racine United Schools Superintendent, Eric Gallien. He is also active in
the Racine Interfaith Coalition (RIC) and other community groups.

I can attest to his character, his work ethic, and his efforts to work for citizenship for many
years. Although he may be undocumented, I consider him a model resident of Racine and wish
there were hundreds more like him. Racine would be a better city as a result.

Please release Ricardo Fierro to his family and our community as soon as possible.

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