Judiciary & Legislation Committee Meeting – May 26, 2026

The Judiciary & Legislation Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on May 26, 2026, at 9:11 AM in Room 301-B, City Hall. Chair Ald. DiAndre Jackson presided. The committee considered 20 agenda items including a resolution regarding an ICE detention, appointments, property damage claims, election planning, and legal settlements. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 AM after a closed session.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Resolution 260006 (Elvira Benitez detention): Several speakers testified in support of the resolution calling for the release of Elvira Benitez, a Sheboygan Falls resident detained by ICE since March 10, 2026. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, translating for Julio Basurto (small business owner), stated that such detentions spread fear and harm the business community (business down 30–60% on South Side). Laiza Ibarra, a DACA recipient, expressed fear and support. Ricardo Chavez, Benitez's spouse, described her deteriorating health and denial of medical care. Ald. Zamarripa and President Perez supported and joined as co-sponsors. The committee recommended adoption 4–0.

Discussion Items

• Item 2: Appointment to Equal Rights Commission: Madeline Miranda-Navarro, a public health professional and community engagement coordinator, was appointed to the Equal Rights Commission. Recommended for confirmation 4–0.
• Items 3–9: Claims for damages: The committee heard claims from residents regarding tree damage to vehicles and property. For each, city forestry and attorney representatives presented evidence of no prior notice or negligence. Most claims were recommended for disallowance and indefinite postponement (denial). Item 4 (Barbara Robinson) was held to call of chair to allow submission of photographs. Claimants expressed frustration but were advised of next steps in litigation.
• Item 10: Election Commission communication: Paulina Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, briefed the committee on plans for using funds saved from the cancelled February 2026 primary. The commission is preparing for high turnout in the August primary and November general election, including changes to central count location (Italian Community Center), additional poll workers, and contingency planning with MPS. The communication was placed on file 4–0.
• Item 11: In-person absentee voting locations: The committee considered a resolution designating seven early voting sites for the August primary and ten for the November general election (adding Mitchell Street Library, Clinton Rose Senior Center, and Marquette Memorial Union). Ald. Pratt moved to add Villard Square Library; the amendment passed. The substitute resolution was recommended for adoption 4–0. Discussion included security coordination with police and private venue agreements.
• Item 12: Legislative updates: Jordan Primoco (Intergovernmental Relations) and Justin Morales (Legislative Affairs) provided an update on the failed state tax deal (failed in Senate) and the passage of the Truth in Planning bill extending TIF extensions from one to two years, which will support affordable housing. They noted the city is developing a new legislative package focusing on revenue diversification. The communication was held to call of chair 4–0.
• Item 13: Homeowners association legislation: Held to call of chair 4–0 given legislative session ended.
• Items 14–18: Legal settlements and claims (closed session): The committee entered closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g) to confer with the City Attorney on litigation matters. Following closed session, they approved settlements in Niki Robinson, et al. v. City of Milwaukee (3–0, Perez abstained), payment of claim of John Ambeau Jr. (4–0), payment of claim of Estate of Hayley Linville (3–0, Perez abstained), and authorized hiring outside counsel for election-related needs (4–0). The settlement of Tiffany Lewis v. City of Milwaukee was held to call of chair 4–0.
• Items 19–20: Tax foreclosure ordinances/resolutions: These items were recommended for placing on file as no longer necessary (4–0).

Key Outcomes

• Adopted (recommended to full Council): Resolution 260006 (Elvira Benitez release), appointment of Madeline Miranda-Navarro, substitute resolution 260099 (absentee voting locations), settlement in Niki Robinson lawsuit, payment of claims for John Ambeau Jr. and Estate of Hayley Linville, and authorization for outside election counsel.
• Denied/Disallowed: Claims of Julius Adway, Mary Johnson, Jackie Williams, Julian Woodruff, Steven Brandenburg, Unique Long (all recommended for disallowance and indefinite postponement). Claim of Barbara Robinson held to call of chair; claim of Julian Woodruff denied due to no-show.
• Placed on File: Election Commission communication (item 10) and tax foreclosure items (19, 20).
• Held to Call of Chair: Legislative updates (item 12), homeowners association resolution (item 13), and Tiffany Lewis settlement (item 17).
• Votes: All votes were 4–0 except where noted (abstentions by Perez on two items). Ald. Westmoreland was excused.