League of Women Voters to host public forum on immigration and due process

Community members with questions about immigration enforcement and due process are invited to a public educational forum on Tuesday, April 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3214 Golf Road, Eau Claire. 

The forum, “How Do We Respond? Immigration and Due Process,” is hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Greater Chippewa Valley in collaboration with the American Association of University Women – Eau Claire, Jonah Justice-Eau Claire and Wisconsin Farmers Union. The event is free and open to the public, and light snacks will be provided.

Organizers have invited several speakers to share perspectives and provide historical context. Dawanna Witt, sheriff of Hennepin County, Minnesota who led their agency through the federal government's "Operation Metro Surge” in Minneapolis will discuss the relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Jordan Hamzawi, assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, will discuss due process in immigration law providing historical context, including the Internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Dave Riewenstahl, Eau Claire County Sheriff, will provide the perspective of a Chippewa Valley law enforcement leader.

“Immigration policies should promote the reunification of immediate families, meet economic, business and employment needs, and respond to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises,” said Jan Morlock, co-president of the local league. “This forum is intended to help our Chippewa Valley community better understand the issues facing us today.”

The League of Women Voters of the Greater Chippewa Valley is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of public policy issues.

For more information, contact Sharon Smith at sirenes4872@gmail.com or Annemarie McClellan at mcclellan.am@gmail.com or visit the LWV-GCV website www.lwv-gcv.org.