Several GoFundMe Accounts Briefly Open To Raise $1.5M Revenue To Bail Out Milwaukee Cop Killer Jonathan C. Copeland Jr.

Several GoFundMe accounts were opened to raise at least $1.5M each to bail out alleged cop killer Copeland Jr., but GoFundMe closed accounts.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 31, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, several GoFundMe accounts were opened by Orlando Norwood and Wood Good Facebook account names to raise $1.5M each to bail out alleged cop killer Jonathan C. Copeland Jr. But, GoFundMe managed to closed the accounts and posted no longer available. Copeland Jr. has a Wisconsin Department of Corrections hold placed on him for a parole violation and is not subject for release on bail.

Copeland Jr. allegedly ambushed Milwaukee Police Officer Michael J. Michalski, 52, on July 25th while attempting to serve a felony warrant for controlled substance (heroin), harassment intimidation offenses (domestic violence) and a parole violation charges at a Northside residence in the 2400 block of N. 28th St. The criminal complaint stated that Copeland Jr. was hidden behind some clothes in the stairs and when Officer Michalski was coming up the stairs, Copeland Jr. shot the officer twice striking him in the head and body. Another officer with Michalski was also wounded by Copeland Jr., but survived.

Copeland Jr., 30, was charged with three felony counts, 1st-degree intentional homicide/use of dangerous weapon (facing life in prison, if convicted); attempted 1st-degree intentional homicide/use of dangerous weapon (facing 60 years in prison, if convicted) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (facing 10 years in prison and up to $25K in fines, if convicted) and he appeared on Tuesday at a Milwaukee County Court bail hearing. Copeland Jr. is scheduled to appear for a preliminary court hearing on August 9th. 

1970's UWM Education Activist Delfina Guzman-Estevez And First Latina Principal At Milwaukee Public Schools District Passed Away

Guzman-Estevez became the first Latina Principal at View Elementary School for the Milwaukee Public Schools District in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 30, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, Delfina Guzman-Estevez, 73, passed away leaving a legacy of education activism, Latino civil rights advocacy and was instrumental with other  Latino community education activists in the 1970's by helping to create the Bilingual Program at Milwaukee Public Schools District. Guzman-Estevez was one of more than 500 education activists that took over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor's Office on August 27, 1970. The UWM 1970 Takeover led to the creation of the Spanish Speaking Outreach Institute (S.S.O.I), which later became the Roberto Hernandez Center after the barriers of discrimination were eliminated at UWM that kept Latinos from enrolling in higher education.

Guzman-Estevez became the first Latina Principal at View Elementary School and was later transferred to Pierce Elementary School. She is also credited as being one of the co-founders of the Spanish Speaking Center (Centro Hispano).

Guzman-Estevez retired from MPS after 44 years of service. She was one of several women who was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award from El Conquistador Newspaper in 2016 and later received the Legacy Award from the Southside Organizing Center in Milwaukee.

Guzman-Estevez is survived by her son, Andres "Andy" Guzman and loving grandmother to Maya Sofia. She was the former wife of Andres Guzman who was also an education activist and participated at the UWM 1970 Takeover as well.

Funeral services for Delfina Guzman-Estevez:

• Wednesday visitation from 4p.m. to 8p.m. at the Bruskiewitz Funeral Home, 5355 W. Forest Home Ave. in Milwaukee, WI.

• Thursday visitation from 9a.m. to 11a.m. at the funeral home, with a funeral service at 11a.m., then interment will follow at the St. Adalbert Cemetery in Milwaukee.

Stay of Deportation Filed For Undocumented Immigrant Ricardo Fierro, Currently LULAC-WI Council 347 President

Fierro, a long time Racine community resident was taken into custody by ICE last week.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 30, 2018

Racine, WI - On Monday, a Stay of Deportation was filed with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Enforcement and Removal Operations Office in Chicago (ICE/ERO) seeking bond and temporary release for Ricardo Fierro, 39, who was taken into custody by ICE agents on July 24th at his residence. Fierro is being held at the Dodge County jail while being process for deportation.
The ICE/ERO is expected to decide whether to release Fierro pending a decision for deportation or allow him to seek legal status as an extraordinary case in several weeks, according to his attorney.

Fierro lived with his fiancé before his arrest and has five U.S. born children of his own ages, 17, 14, 9, 5 and a 4-month-old and his fiancé has two children ages 16 and 17.

According to a press release on Monday from the Racine Interfaith Coalition (RIC), Fierro was elected president of local LULAC Council #347 of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and enthusiastically participated in a host of multiple volunteer activities.  

Jaime Alvarado, President of LULAC-WI Council #346 when contacted on Monday by Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA), he released the following statement, "He has no criminal record and already has dozens of support and letters of character from elected officials and community leaders. I recruited him to become member of LULAC this winter and he later became the President of Council 347."

RIC says that, Fierro is best known in the Racine community 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. 

"There are few people more dedicated to the Racine community than Ricardo Fierro," said Linda Boyle, co-president of the Racine Interfaith Coalition, which represents 27 local churches in a press release. "As the father of seven children of U.S. citizenship, and a responsible son and brother, Ricardo's detention has presented an unimaginable hardship to his family and loved ones."

Family members working for Fierro's release have received more than fifty letters of support which include United States Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Racine Mayor Cory Mason, Former Racine Mayor John Dickert, Racine Unified School District Superintendent Eric Gallien, Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, Wisconsin State Representatives Greta Neubauer, Peter Barca and JoCasta Zamarippa, WISDOM State Executive Director David Liners, along with religious leaders and clergy from across the state. 

Fierro arrived with family members in the U.S. in 1995 with a valid visa at the age of 16. He overstayed his visa and was later deported at the age of 19 when he returned to Mexico as a humanitarian act to get needed medicine for his older seizure ailing brother, but was taken into ICE custody when he re-entered the U.S. illegally. Fierro was cited in December 2015 for driving without a valid license for a second offense (a misdemeanor charge, found guilty by plead of no contest) and in February 2018, Fierro was cited for driving without carrying a valid driver's license (penalty: money forfeiture), according to Racine County Court records.

A prayer vigil and rally for Fierro will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Monument Square in Racine, WI, according to Boyle.

Hmong-Canadian Rock Band Sudden Rush's "Mi Noog" Hit Single To Debute As Music Video On 10th Anniversary

Hit single "Mi Noog" music video production under way in the U.S.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 30, 2018

St. Paul, Minnesota - Sudden Rush (SR) from British Columbia  announced a partnership with Creative Results from Minnesota for the sponsorship of upcoming music videos to be produced and filmed in both Canada and Minnesota, U.S.A. 

SR is expected to release their latest recording in 2018-2019 just in time for their 10th Anniversary of their first recorded hit "Mi Noog" as a group. The SR/Creative Results production by Super-Seng Stage III today will include a Professional Music Video for the song "Mi Noog", an Official Karaoke Version and the release of their latest brand new hit single "Daim Nplooj Ntoos".

SR band members are Pat Her, Lead Vocals; Chee Nou Her, Guitar/Vocals; Roger Her, Drums and Joe Her, Guitar/Vocals.
SR is a Hmong-Canadian rock band and produces contemporary Hmong style of music venue.

Update: SR released the latest official "Mi Noog" video version for their 10th Anniversary celebration: https://youtu.be/FrDR9yKoj34

Sudden Rush latest single "Daim Nplooj Ntoos" release: https://youtu.be/AE8EHS7WH5Y

Tejano Singer Ram Herrera And The Outlaw Band's Touring Bus Involved In Texas Road Accident

Several occupants traveling with Tejano singer Herrera hospitalized after road accident involving a touring bus owned by Herrera's acquaintances.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 29, 2018
(Updated)

Schertz, Texas - On early Sunday, a bus owned by acquaintances of Tejano singer Ram Herrera in which he was a passenger apparently crashed after experiencing a blowout tire on the highway. The experienced RV driver managed to avoid a rollover after the blowout tire mishap just off I-35 and Schwab Rd. in Schertz, Texas about 21 minutes (19 miles) from San Antonio. The bus ended up in a field. According to a member from La Nueva Imagen band who was traveling ahead of Herrera's friends bus posted on Facebook (FB), that Herrera and his band had finished a performance at the St. Mary's 37th Annual Church Festival (Jamiaca) in Lockhart, Texas and were returning home when the accident occurred. 

Herrera was not injured, but some acquaintances traveling with Herrera in the bus were hospitalized due to minor injuries. 

Anna Salazar Duarte posted on Sunday on FB that the "Bus DID NOT rollover. Band was NOT on the bus. This bus is owned by a friend of ours. 2 ladies went to hospital just to get checked. Everyone else is fine - just shaken up." Also Marsha Martinez Bautista posted on FB that "No rollover. Cuts and bruises on 2 people.  And everyone involved shaken up.  A tire blowout."

Martinez Bautista who is married to Ram Herrera band's sound engineer told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that Herrera, his girlfriend, the manager of the group including personal friends were traveling to San Antonio after a performance gig in Lockhart when the recreational vehicle (RV) had a tire blowout on the highway. The driver, Oscar managed to veered off IH-35 at the Schwab Rd. exit in Schertz, Texas and avoided a rollover, but ended up in a field. "The RV windshield was blown out upon impact from hitting the road signs," Martinez Bautista stated.
Herrera's girlfriend was one of the two people who were taken to the hospital for minor injury treatment. The Schertz Police Department responded to the accident after 1:00 a.m. and told the group involved in the accident that they were lucky that the RV didn't rollover.
A least six people were traveling in the RV including the driver, according to Martinez Bautista who was also traveling in the RV.

Three members of Herrera's Outlaw Band were traveling separately in a vehicle behind the RV and were not involved in the accident.

Ram Herrera released the following official statement:

Ricardo Fierro, An Undocumented Immigrant Rights Activist From Racine Taken Into Custody By ICE

Fierro was taken into custody by ICE in the City of Racine.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 27, 2018

Racine, WI - On Tuesday, Ricardo Fierro, 39, from Racine was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Fierro who is undocumented and originally from Mexico is a known community and immigrant rights activist. Fierro is a member of the Racine Interfaith  Coalition for Immigration, Citizen Acton of Wisconsin (Acción Ciudadana de WI) and former Racine Regional Director for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin.

Fierro's family has obtained an attorney to challenge ICE's deportation proceedings and will file a Stay of Deportation on Monday, July 30th in federal court.
Fierro is being held at the Dodge County jail while being process for deportation.
Fierro lived with his fiancé before his arrest and has five U.S. born children of his own ages, 17, 14, 9, 5 and a 4-month-old and his fiancé has two children ages 16 and 17.

Fierro also attended J.I. Case High School from I995 to 1999.

Marisabel Cabrera Elected Chairperson And Nelson Soler Vice-chair To Lead The Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission And Police Chief Alfonso Morales Officially Confirmed

Three Hispanics become the most influencial leaders in Milwaukee's law enforcement policy making and management of the Milwaukee Police Department.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 26, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Marisabel Cabrera was elected as the first Latina Chairperson and Nelson Soler as the first Latino Vice-chair of the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission including the Commission's official approval and confirmation of Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales in the history of the City of Milwaukee law enforcement policy making and management. Morales became the second Latino police chief to serve the City. Cabrera, Soler and Chief Morales will no doubt have become the top leaders in Milwaukee's law enforcement today in the City of Milwaukee.

• Cabrera, is an immigration attorney, a Board member for the Council for the Spanish Speaking, also a member of Voces de la Frontera, Citizen Action of Wisconsin (Acción Ciudadana de Wisconsin) and American Immigration Lawyers Association.

• Soler, is the Chief Solutions Officer at Multicultural Entrepreneurship Institute, Inc., Adjunct faculty member at Cardinal Stritch University and Adjunct instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College Alumni Network.

• Morales has an impressive and honorable service record in the police department. He was an officer from 1993 to 1999, then was promoted to detective from 1999 to 2003 where he served in the homicide division, then became a Lieutenant in 2003, where served in several assignments that included the homicide division, internal affairs, training academy and the narcotics bureau.

Milwaukee Police Officer Michael J. Michalski Killed By Suspect While Executing A Felony Warrant

A suspect was taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting death of Milwaukee Police Officer Michalski during a gunbattle while executing a felony warrant.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 25, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee Police Officer Michael J. Michalski, a 17-year veteran was fatally shot on Wednesday while executing a felony warrant at the 2400 block of N. 28th St. near W. Meinecke Ave. just after 5:00p.m. during a gunbattle between officers and a suspect at the residence. The suspect, Jonathan C. Copeland Jr., 30, was wanted for controlled substance (heroin), harassment intimidation offenses (domestic violence) and a parole violation. He was taken into custody, according to the Milwaukee Police Department.

According to police, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Milwaukee Police Officers responded to the 2800 block of West Wright Street to check and search for a wanted subject.
At approximately 5:06 p.m. Copeland Jr. fired shots at officers fatally striking one of the officers.
Copeland Jr. was later arrested in the 2800 block of West Meineke Street.
Copeland Jr. is pending homicide charges in the death of Officer Michalski.

Milwaukee Brewers White Racist Fans Gave Standing Ovation To Racist MB Pitcher Josh Hader At Dodger Game

Hader, the White racist pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers was given a standing ovation at the game by other White racist fans.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 24, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, White racist fans gave a standing ovation to Milwaukee Brewers White pitcher Josh Hader at Miller Park during the Dodgers game after returning to the game from the All-Star games where his racist, sexist, homophobic and supremacy tweets posted in 2011-12 that targeted Gays, women and Blacks were exposed, TMJ4 reported. Hader made the racist tweets when he was 17, now 24, he has apologized, but his racist fans gave him a standing ovation, which Milwaukee Alderman Khalif Rainy released a statement on Monday calling Hader's fans standing ovation "an embarrassment to the world" and the Milwaukee Brewers including Milwaukee had dropped "the ball again on race relations."

Ald. Rainy stated, "Just last week, we saw homophobic and racist tweets including "white power" surface from Brewers pitcher Josh Hader, a Caucasian man. The tweets preceded his time as a professional baseball player to when he was 17. In a statement, Brewers General Manager David Stearns calls the comments "inexcusable" but did not take the opportunity to acknowledge Hader's comments are an example of a larger issue related to racism. "Those of us that have come to know Josh do not believe that these posts are representative of his beliefs. He has been a good teammate and contributor to the team in every way. We will continue to work through this issue with Josh as we prepare to resume games after the break."

What occurred during Josh Hader's first appearance since those tweets surfaced is most troubling.
Thousands of fans gave the pitcher a standing ovation. This frankly is an embarrassment to the world. The boisterous manner of standing to show support for Hader is nothing less than a dismissive stance against problems of race affecting an entire community: a community dealing with the effects of hypersegregation, economic disparity and police harassment.
The act of crowd members rising to their feet to cheer Hader ignores these very issues that NFL players seek to highlight while kneeling in silent protest during the national anthem. I am deeply concerned that President Trump continues to castigate those football players, recently recommending suspension for those who do not stand "at attention, hand on heart." Although it seems cynical, I cannot help but think it comes down to skin color."

Peggy A. West, Former Milwaukee County Supervisor Officially Charged With One Felony Count For Election Fraud

West officially charged with felony election fraud by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 23, 2018
(Updated)

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office officially filed a one felony count charge for election fraud of certified nomination papers against former Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy Ann West, 47, stemming from forged nomination signatures. West made her initial court appearance on Monday and a signature bond was set at $5,000. Her arraignment was scheduled for August 8th. If convicted, West is facing up to 3 years and six months in prison with fines up to $10,000.

According to West's criminal complaint, five people denied signing West's nomination papers and a property manager, Delia Santos confirmed to police investigators that a former resident, Sonia Rivera had moved to Florida 4 years ago, but her name appeared in West's nomination papers (page 16). Another 16 people in the Milwaukee County Supervisor's 12th District also confirmed that they did sign West's nomination papers, but West didn't personally circulate the nomination papers as she certified that she did. Also, West's daughter, Emiliana Lorenzo told police that her mother forged her name as a certified circulator in several nomination papers (pages 18-19) as well, according to the criminal complaint.

The criminal complaint states that on West's nomination page 16, the apartments listed for electors from 1 to 5 didn't exist at the building address and none of the electors listed from 6 to 10 lived at the address provided. In other words, West who signed and certified the nomination paper as the circulator allegedly fabricated the list of electors.
On West's nomination page 4, Jay Reinke told police that he partially circulated the sheet and got electors to sign from 1 to 6 and left 7 to 10 blank when he signed and certified the nomination paper as the circulator, but someone later managed to add electors from 7 to 10 without him knowing until police asked him about that page.

Sylvia Ortiz-Velez defeated West on April 3rd who was elected as the new 12th District Milwaukee County Supervisor. Ortiz-Velez in April received 815 votes 58% and the incumbent Supervisor West received 602 votes 42%, according to the Milwaukee County Election Commission.

In February, Ortiz-Velez filed an ethics complaint alleging that Supervisor West had apparently forged some nomination signatures and she was able to get affidavits from those who confirmed that they never signed the nomination papers for West. West when she submitted her nomination papers confirmed that she personally circulated the nominations papers where the discrepancies were alleged.

The discrepancies happened at several locations in the 12th Milwaukee County Supervisor District including at the 1800 block of W. Becher Street and at the 500 block of S. Layton Blvd., according to the Ortiz-Velez complaint.
One of the signers in an affidavit confirmed that the person that circulated West's nomination paper was an "African woman who was thin and young accompanied by a male." Other signers  (OS) confirmed the person circulating West's nomination papers "was thin and Caucasian" and OS described the person circulating papers having  black hair and also spoked fleunt Spanish, but Supervisor West signed and certified that she collected each signature in the nomination papers in question.
Supervisor West in February posted the following statement on her Friends of Milw. County Supervisor Peggy West, District 12, "For the record specifically at the address 1800 W. Becher, I did pass nomination papers at that location in addition, at that location, I had NO one African American passing papers, I also had no one Caucasian passing papers. I can and did speak to several residents there in Spanish...1800 W. Becher St is a Senior and disabled apartment complex as were at least 3 other addresses I used to collect signatures. It is very possible that residents don't clearly remember who came to their door to get their signature..."

Former deputy District Attorney Patrick Kenney (retired) was assigned to the West election fraud case as a special Milwaukee County prosecutor and the Milwaukee Police Department Internal Affairs unit investigated the Milwaukee County Ethics Board complaint filed by Ortiz-Velez.

West's criminal complaint:

Milwaukee Police Seek Several Suspects In Connection With The Homicide Of Alain Lovaco-Viniegra

Two suspects sought for the July 12th homicide of Lovaco-Viniegra in Milwaukee's Southside.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 22, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee police released several images of two Hispanic suspects wanted in connection with the July 12th fatal shooting homicide of Alain Lovaco-Viniegra, 29, in Milwaukee's Southside. Lovaco-Viniegra was a known art painting muralist and is attributed for multiple murals in the Milwaukee area. 

According to police, on July 12th, 2018, at about 1:00 a.m., the Milwaukee Police Department investigated a shooting outside of a tavern located on the 1600 block of W. Grant Street. Police say, Lovaco-Viniegra was involved in an argument with two other men. During the altercation, one of the men shot the victim and fled the scene. Lovaco-Viniegra reportedly died of his wounds later that morning.

The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5'7" to 5'8", 240 lbs., stocky, and in his early thirties with short black hair. He was last seen wearing a green hat, a green soccer jersey, and green pants.
The second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5'9" to 5'10", clean shaven, 160 lbs., and is in his early twenties. He was last seen wearing a green soccer jersey.
Witnesses describe the two suspects fleeing in a black, 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade with what are believed to be removable, magnetic signs attached to both rear passenger doors. This Escalade was captured on a traffic camera running a red traffic light near the shooting incident, according to police.

Domingo Garcia Elected As LULAC National President At The 89th Annual LULAC National Convention

Texas Civil Rights Attorney Domingo Garcia defeated Darryl Morin from Wisconsin and was elected as the new LULAC National President.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 21, 2018

Phoenix, Arizona - On Saturday, Texas Civil Rights Attorney Domingo Garcia was elected as the new League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National President at the 89th LULAC National Convention and Expo in Arizona. Garcia defeated Darryl Morin from Wisconsin who ran on a platform to eliminate corruption and budget deficit at the national level. Garcia received 713 votes and Morin received 238 votes. Garcia ran on a platform to unite the membership, tranparency, standing up for immigrant rights, keeping families united and expanding the current LULAC membership of more than 1,300 members to more than 1M members, comprehensive immigration reform, assistance for veterans and seniors plus tuition-free higher education, expanding the organization’s budget to $20-million to support local LULAC Council programs and increased emphasis on developing the youth, young adult and collegiate components to ensure their future opportunities.

This year, both Garcia and Morin participated in a debate at the national conference and attendance was full to capacity. The members definitely wanted change and to put the National LULAC back on track to engage in civil rights protections, justice and equality in the U.S. for Latinos.

Garcia is a well known Democrat in the State of Texas. The LULAC National President's election was non-partisan and the election was held during the 89th Annual LULAC National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday at the Convention Center.

Garcia lives is Dallas where he is a practicing civil rights attorney. He is a former member of the state legislature and the youngest city council member ever to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in one of America's largest cities. Garcia is also author of Texas' DACA legislation which served as the template for President Obama's national DACA program.

In other LULAC news over the weekend, Sandy Benavides, the interim CEO of the National LULAC was appointed as the new CEO, making her the first Latina woman to be confirmed as the National LULAC CEO. Benavides is an immigrant from Honduras.

Other LULAC members elected to the LULAC National Leadership were:

• Treasurer - Pablo Martinez (NM)
• VP Woman - Lourdes Galvan (TX)
• VP Youth - Joe Organista (UT)
• VP Young Adults - Andres Rodriguez (CA)
• VP Elderly - Elia Mendoza (TX)
• VP Northeast- Ralina Cardona-Lizardi (NY)
• VP Southeast Yvone Quiñones  (PR)
• Midwest Jose Lopez (IL)
• VP for Southwest Gabriel Rosales - (TX)
• VP for Farwest - David Hernandez (AZ)

Felony Election Fraud Charges Filed Against Former Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy West

West charged with felony election fraud by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 19, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office confirmed that a felony charge for election fraud was filed against former Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy West stemming from forged nomination signatures. West was defeated by Sylvia Ortiz-Velez on April 3rd who became the new 12th District Milwaukee County Supervisor. Ortiz-Velez in April received 815 votes 58% and the incumbent Supervisor West received 602 votes 42%, according to the Milwaukee County Election Commission.

Ortiz-Velez had filed an ethics complaint alleging that Supervisor West had apparently forged some nomination signatures and she was able to get affidavits from those who confirmed that they never signed the nomination papers for West. West when she submitted her nomination papers confirmed that she personally circulated the nominations papers where the discrepancies were alleged.

The discrepancies happened at several locations in the 12th Milwaukee County Supervisor District including at the 1800 block of W. Becher Street and at the 500 block of S. Layton Blvd., according to the Ortiz-Velez complaint.
One of the signers in an affidavit confirmed that the person that circulated West's nomination paper was an "African woman who was thin and young accompanied by a male." Other signers  (OS) confirmed the person circulating West's nomination papers "was thin and Caucasian" and OS described the person circulating papers having  black hair and also spoked fleunt Spanish, but Supervisor West signed and certified that she collected each signature in the nomination papers in question.
Supervisor West in February posted the following statement on her Friends of Milw. County Supervisor Peggy West, District 12, "For the record specifically at the address 1800 W. Becher, I did pass nomination papers at that location in addition, at that location, I had NO one African American passing papers, I also had no one Caucasian passing papers. I can and did speak to several residents there in Spanish...1800 W. Becher St is a Senior and disabled apartment complex as were at least 3 other addresses I used to collect signatures. It is very possible that residents don't clearly remember who came to their door to get their signature..."

Former deputy District Attorney Patrick Kenney (retired) was assigned to the West election fraud case as a special Milwaukee County prosecutor and the Milwaukee Police Department Internal Affairs unit investigated the Milwaukee County Ethics Board complaint filed by Ortiz-Velez.

West will make her initial court appearance on Monday, July 23rd at 1:30 p.m., Safety Building room 221. If convicted, West is facing up to 3 years and six months in prison with fines up to $10,000.

Waukesha County Sheriff Correction Officers Complete 287(g) Certified Training With ICE

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office to implement 287(g) ICE program targeted at suspected undocumented immigrants processed for minor traffic violations at the County jail.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 14, 2018

Waukesha, WI - On Friday, several Waukesha County Sheriff Correction Officers completed their 287(g) certification ICE program and the County jail will begin to process inmates for legal status in the country that have been arrested for minor traffic and other violations. Those undocumented immigrants that have been processed for booking at the jail will be turned over to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings.

Eric J. Severson, the Waukesha County Sheriff confirmed to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that multiple correction's staff members from the jail facility had been designated to take the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) training and certification from June 18, 2018 to July 13, 2018 and upon completion, the 287(g) ICE program will be implemented at the jail facility in late July or early August. 
Severson in the application for 287(g) indicated that all ICE detainer requests to hold suspected undocumented immigrants processed at the jail for traffic violations and other crimes will be honored.
According to Sheriff Severson, most undocumented immigrants at the County jail have been processed for the following violations.

• Operating while intoxicated
• Operating without a license
• Bail jumping - misdemeanor
• Operating after revocation, and
• Resisting or obstructing an officer

According to the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department 287(g) program ICE application, the Waukesha County jail takes into custody more than 11 additional immigrants each month. With the implementation of 287(g), the County jail is expected to increase the processing of undocumented immigrants for deportation.

Milwaukee Police SWAT Break Into Alleged Drug House, No Drugs Found, But Cop Shoots Dog While 15-year-old Teen Held Him In His Arms

A Milwaukee Police Swat team officer shot a 7-year-old pit bull multiple times while a 15-year-old male teen held the dog in his arms.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 13, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, the Milwaukee Police SWAT team broke into a home at the 200 block of S. 60th Street just after 10:00 a.m. and shot a 7-year-old pit bull multiple times while a 15-year-old male teen held him in his arm, according to his mother Tammy Prasnik, 43. Prasnik told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that Thursday morning she and her family went through an ordeal after a Milwaukee Police SWAT team executed an alleged no-knock warrant and one of the officers with an assault rifle fired multiple shots at a family pit bull when it barked while her son, James Juarez, 15, was holding the dog in his arms. James got splattered with the pit bull's blood, but was not injured by police assault rifle fire.

Prasnik says police didn't even identify themselves when they broke into the residence and rushed in. Police later told her that they had a no-knock warrant and apparently read it to her, but she nor any member of the family was provided with a copy. Apparently, police alleged that a neighbor had made a report that it was a drug house and police had been watching the residence, according to Prasnik. Prasnik who is visting Milwaukee from Texas says, that at least 7 members of the family including her, a 4-year-old and a 5-year-old were at the residence and in addition her daughter's boyfriend was also visiting when police broke in. Prasnik's daughter was identified as Beatrice Juarez, 21, who rents the home. All except the toddlers were placed in handcuffs and restraints and taken outside. Anthony Juarez Jr., 23, Damian Krause, 23, and James were placed in a police patty wagon (prisoner transport van) and the rest were allowed to be on the curb as police searched and ransacked the residence. After several hours they were released and no one was taken into custody.

Police found no drugs at the residence indicating it was a false drug house report or their intelligence was flawed. 

The injured pit bull by the name of Muli was taken by the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) and it was later pronounced deceased. 

Prasnik says, Muli, the pit bull was not a theat to police when it was shot while her son held him. Prasnik told HNNUSA that she would like to thank the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) for cremating Muli at no cost, since the decision was based on that it was a senseless dog killing by a Milwaukee police officer.

Prasnik later discovered that Milwaukee Police Officer Lopez who was driving the police patty wagon snapped a photo of Anthony, Damian and James inside the holding area of the van and send the photo to Milwaukee Police Detective Angela Juarez who later confirmed to Anthony, her nephew through Facebook messenger that she indeed received the photo from Officer Lopez. Angela also sent the photo to her brother Arturo Juarez who shared it with others, Prasnik said. Det. Angela is the aunt of both Anthony and James who they haven't seen for some time, Prasnik said.

Prasnik told HNNUSA that she will seek legal advice and will also go to the Milwaukee Police Department to request a copy of the no-knock warrant and the names of the officers involved including any body camera videos of the incident.

The Milwaukee Police Department hasn't released any information about the debunked raid or the shooting of Muli.

Suspect Pulled Artificial Tracheal Tube During Argument Killing Mark A. Solorio At Kosciuszko Park

Solorio died from lack of oxygen after his artificial tracheal tube was pulled by suspect during an argument.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 11, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, a suspect was taken into custody and is expected to be charged with the death of Mark A. Solorio, 44, who suffered from a lack of oxygen after his artificial tracheal tube was pulled during an argument. Solorio's body was found around 5:00 p.m. at Kosciuszko Park at the 2200 block of W. Lincoln Ave., according to police.

A witness who saw the altercation identified the suspect to police at the park.

Partners, Supporting Financial Institutions, Banks, Non-profits and Corporations That Help ICE To Separate Families

ICE has the support of financial institutions, banks, non-profits and corporations for the operations to separate children from undocumented parents.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Newswork U.S.A.

July 10, 2018

U.S.A. - The following information is provided to inform the public which partners, financial institutions, banks, non-profits and corporations help support and finance the operations including the incarceration and detention facilities for undocumented children and their families by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Department of Health Services that separates children from undocumented parents under the Trump's Zero Tolerance policy.

• Partners:

Amazon, Microsoft and Vigilant Solutions (license plate recognition data)

• Retailers that still sell Trump or Ivanka brand products: 

Amazon and Whole Foods, Macy's, T.J. Maxx, Bloomingdales, Zappos, Hudson's Bay, Marshalls, Winners, Lord & Taylor, Bed Bath and Beyond, Buy Buy Baby, Dillards, 6pm, Blue Fly, Burlington Coat Factory, HSN, Overstock.com, Ross, Saks of Fifth, Walmart, Belk, Century 21, Build.com, Filene's Basement, Wegmans, Perfumania and Stein Mart.

• For-profit prisons:

CoreCivic and GEO Group

• Contractors that provide support services: 

MVM Inc., General Dynamics and Salesforce

• Non-profit that provide child detention centers:

Southwest Key Programs

• For profit that provides detention centers:

Shiloh Treatment Center

• Emergency shelters operation providers for undocumented children under contract with ICE:

Comprehensive Health Services, Dynamic Service Solutions, and Dynamic Educational Systems

• Wall Street Banks and major financial money managers:

Wells Fargo, SunTrust, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, BNP Paribas, U.S. Bancorp, Banco Bilbao's New York Branch, Lloyd Bank, Mizuho Bank, and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, BlackRock and Vanguard

• Entities that cooperate with ICE by providing immigration status information or allow ICE agents to board buses to investigate legal status of unsuspecting passengers without their permission:

Irvine Company Retail Properties (CA), Greyhound and Motel 6.

Charcoal Grill Worst Smoke Polluter At SummerFest 2018

The Milwaukee Common Council and the Milwaukee Health Department have yet to regulate the immense smoke pollution created by the Charcoal Grill at Summerfest 2018.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 8, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Sunday, the 11-day run of Summerfest 2018 ended and according to Donald A. Smiley, the President and Chief Executive Officer, it was the largest attendance yet in its history for the largest music festival in the World. What Smiley failed to admit is that it has become one of the worst smoke polluters as well during the 11-day run, which has gotten away with laxed pollution regulations for its food vendors during the festival. 

The Charcoal Grill food vendor located by the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse stage creates the most smoke pollution during the day by cooking greasy meats outdoors with charcoal. It seems, the City of Milwaukee Health Department and the Milwaukee Common Council have for years ignored the heavy smoke pollution that invades nearby areas forcing children, babies, teens and adult inhale the pollution for hours, especially at the Roadhouse stage or at any other location when the wind shifts and changes the direction of the smoke.

The Roadhouse stage on Sunday was engulfed with the Charcoal Grill smoke from noon to at least 7:30 p.m., some might see a photo and say, it's fog from the lake, but in reality it is heavy black smoke from the greasy Charcoal Grill and it becomes a hazard for those suffering from respiratory conditions or asthma.

The health department to date hasn't even tested the conditions to determine what long affect does the smoke have on those forced to inhale it while at Summerfest, especially in the immediate area where the Charcoal Grill is located.

It's about time Summerfest gets rid of the smoke pollution and City officials should begin to regulate such pollution at the Summerfest music festival.

According to Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF), which sponsors Summerfest, entrance to the festival grounds is at your own risk. MWF is immune from liability for injuries to persons or property on the festival grounds pursuant to Wisconsin Statue 895.52. Would it include injuries caused by pollution created at the festival grounds by a food vendor?

First LULAC Midwest Region Digital Billboard Calling To Stop The Separation Of Families Goes Up In Milwaukee

One of several digital billboards calling to stop the separating of families unveiled in the Milwaukee area.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 5, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, a digital billboard was unveiled by the LULAC Midwest Region, which was paid by the Committee to elect Darryl Morin who is a candidate for National LULAC President. The billboard is one of two being paid by the Committee to elect Morin. Eileen Figueroa, the Wisconsin State LULAC Director told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that the billboard, "...is a Midwest effort paid for the committee to Elect Darryl Morin. It is very much like how other campaigns are sponsoring trips to Detention facilities for LULAC and LULAC Texas."

A 9-year-old Cesar Acosta, an Honduran refugee boy spoke at the unveiling billboard event, he said that he was forced to sleep on the floor with a piece of plastic carton, was placed in kennel cages used for dogs along with other kids, was treated bad by border agents, was given a small sandwich and little to drink, experienced cold central air conditioned temperatures at a holding center known as the refrigerators and lights were always on, which he couldn't sleep. His mother who is pending an asylum status says that she fled her country due to death threats and her bother in-law being killed by gangs. She entered the U.S. on October 2017 and was separated from her son for two months and a 3-year-old daughter, but she was allowed to see her daughter in short periods. She described border process agents as cold and with no heart as they forced separation of families and witnessed mothers, crying and begging agents not to take their kids, but with no success to keep their sons and daughters with them. She is now residing in Waukegan, Illinois pending her immigration case.

Also LULAC Wisconsin Deputy State Director for Elderly Yolanda Santos Adams made remarks on behalf of grandparents regarding Donald Trump's Zero Tolerance policy. Santos Adams says, separating families is not just, not Christian like and opposes Trump's Zero Tolerance policy.
The billboads will stay up until Trump stops separating families and kids are reunified with their undocumented parents, according to Morin, who also spoke at the billboard event.

LULAC councils in Wisconsin will hold their State Convention on Saturday at the Mexican Fiesta Offices after it was decided on May 18, by Manuel G. Escobar Jr., the LULAC National Legal Advisor that the prior State Convention held at UMOS was not legal due to improper notification.

ATF Agent Rick Hankins Alleged Van L. Mayes Conspired To Firebomb Milwaukee Police 7th District Station After Officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown Murdered Unarmed Sylville Smith In 2016

Mayes charged with three federal felonies by ATF and feds in connection with an attempt and conspiracy to firebomb the Milwaukee police station on District 7.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 2, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Milwaukee announced that Van L. Mayes, 31, also known as Vaun L. Mayes, an activist in the African-American community had been taken into custody and charged with three federal felonies that included, attempted arsons, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence. Matthew D. Krueger, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin says that the complaint alleged that Mayes and others planned to firebomb the Milwaukee Police Department's District Seven Police Station during the Sherman Park rioting in August 2016.  According to the complaint, Mayes and others pursued the plan by manufacturing Molotov cocktails in glass bottles labeled Mike's Hard Lemonade, Everfresh Juice, Mistic Juice, and Seagram's Escape Wine Coolers that contained gasoline with a fabric wick inserted into the opening. The firebombing of the District Station ultimately did not occur. More arrests expected in the Mayes case, according to the ATF's ongoing investigation.

Special Agent Rick Hankins with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in a federal affidavit to establish probable cause for an arrest warrant and criminal complaint filed on June 27, 2018 states, that at least four informants (witnesses) connected Mayes to a cardboard box full of Molotov cocktails (a glass container or bottle that holds flammable liquid, often gasoline with an inserted wick to start fires) found on August 23, 2016 inside a dumpster on N. Sherman Blvd. near the Sherman Park riots in 2016. The riots ignited after Milwaukee Police Officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown shot and murdered unarmed Sylville Smith after a traffic stop, when Smith who had a conceal carry permit ran and tossed a handgun over a fence when then Officer Heaggan-Brown shot him and as Smith fell from the impact of the first shot and was unarmed, Heaggan-Brown fatally shot him again and killed Smith. Smith did have a weapon on him when he was shot a second time. Heaggan-Brown was later found not guilty for Smith's homicide. Officer Heaggan-Brown was later fired from the Milwaukee Police Department and charged and convicted of a second criminal incident for raping a man and forcing him to engage in sex acts. 

On August 13 and 14, 2016, Milwaukee experienced widespread arson, rioting, and looting in the area surrounding Sherman Park near where Heaggan-Brown killed Smith at N. 44th St. and W. Auer Ave.

ATF Special Agent Hankins claims, that Mayes committed crimes dating August 15, 2016 that resulted in federal charges. Hankins alleged that Mayes targeted the Milwaukee Police 7th District Station located at 3626 W. Fond du Lac Ave. and conspired with others to firebomb the station, but Mayes and others never actually went through with it after too many people knew of the intent.

On August 29, 2016, ATF agents executed a search warrant at Mayes residence and agents found Seagram's Escape Wine Cooler and Everfresh Juice bottles, which the bottles were the same brand labeled bottles found in a box full of Molotov cocktails on August 23, 2016. Another search warrant executed at an apartment near where the box of cocktails were found in a dumpster, ATF agents found a ripped dark color fabric similar to the type of wick used in the Molotov cocktails and also recovered bottles similar to the cocktails including empty gas cans.

On September 20, 2016, ATF agents informed Mayes that bottles that came from his residence may have been used to manufacture Molotov cocktails, Mayes told agents at the time that the bottles came from his residence so, his DNA would be on them. Mayes confirmed that he drank from Everfresh Juice and Seagram's Escape bottles, according to the federal criminal complaint.

Agent Hankins in the complaint stated that informants/witnesses claimed Mayes and others were involved, according to witness number 1, on August 15, Mayes, C.E., C.M., B.H. and others met by the burned down BP Gas Station in Sherman Park and discussed firebombing the police station at the 3600 block of W. Fond du Lac Ave. and Mayes had brought gas cans and glass bottles to an apartment where they met. Mayes, C.M., and M.W. began to manufacture the Molotov cocktails. A black coat was ripped to use as wicks for the cocktails, according to witness number 1.

On February 2017, a second witness told ATF agents that he was there when Mayes and others manufactured the Molotov cocktails in August 2016. A third witness also told ATF agents that he discussed the Sherman Park riot fires and that he was told by B.H. that police had found a box full of Molotov cocktails and gas cans in a dumpster.

In November 2016, a fourth witness told ATF agents, that after the shooting of Sylville Smith on August 13, that he heard Mayes say, that Sylville Smith needs justice and Mayes including about twenty other adults and teenagers had met at an apartment to plan the firebombing assault on the police station. Mayes at the apartment was sitting next to a black fabric bag filled with rocks to be used to throw at police to create a diversion while others would throw Molotov cocktails at the police station. Mayes was wearing gloves and filling the bottles with gasoline, dipping ripped shirts into a bowl of gasoline, and placing the soaked fabric into the tops of the bottles. The witness also said that he and others drove by the targeted police station and saw police on top of the roof and they went back to tell the group that there was a large police presence and they decided to cancel the attack that night.

ATF agents got a warrant and recovered cellphone videos where Mayes was heard saying, "Where the rocks at?, Who got the rocks? and Fuck you all! Punk ass cops. Getting they ass rocked!" In a second video, Mayes was wearing a mask and was heard saying, "They killing their ass with these motherfucking rocks. Rocking their shit. Shit going down."

In a Facebook video, ATF agents found a video where Mayes was walking by the police station saying, the "worst police departments, District Seven."

ATF agent Hankins, says that a Molotov cocktail is a destructive device and a firearm, which Mayes is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has a state felony conviction for driving/operating a vehicle without consent.

Editors note: The questions being raised in Milwaukee after Mayes arrest are; was he set-up by local law enforcement and feds to take the fall for the rioting at Sherman Park in 2016, and why would Mayes use bottles from juices and wine coolers that he drank from that would easily be traced back to him, and why was a box full of Molotov cocktails left inside a dumpster ten days after the riots began in hot weather that would possibly ignite in the heat and how did law enforcement locate the box in the dumpster? Sounds like a set-up and conspiracy by the ATF and local law enforcement to charge an outspoken community activist for a crime. Empty bottles discarded by Mayes could be easily recovered from his residence recycling trash can and trash with his DNA on them.
Unless, Mayes can admit and confess that he planned and made Molotov cocktails to burn the police station, he might have been a victim of a set-up by the feds.
Informants involved are known to fabricate stories in cases so, they don't get charged with conspiracy to commit a crime.