Clarke going to Homeland Security? Good day for Milwaukee, bad day for the nation

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke says he has accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Homeland of Security. Here's reaction to the report…

State Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee: “While Sheriff Clarke’s departure is good news for Milwaukee County, it affirms the 45th president’s lack of clear judgement and regard for the safety of our nation and its people.

“Since Clarke failed in his duty to protect human lives in Milwaukee County’s jail and abused his authority by harassing and threatening residents, why would the 45th president even consider Clarke for an appointment?

“Under Clarke’s leadership, children to the mentally ill have suffered and died, resulting in multiple costly lawsuits that stick Milwaukee taxpayers with the bill as Clarke giddy ups and rides to D.C. I pray for the sake of human life that Sheriff Clarke has learned from the horror show that he has left behind in Milwaukee County.”

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning: “The public safety of our local communities and our nation isn’t a joke, a game, or a popularity contest — but that’s exactly how Sheriff David Clarke has treated his role over the past few months.

“Sheriff Clarke, facing warranted scrutiny for the deaths of four people in his jail since last April, spent most of the last year traveling the country for paid speeches and hopping in front of cable news cameras to audition for a job in the Trump administration. Public safety is not a top priority for the Sheriff, his record on public safety in his own jail is evidence enough that he has no business working at the Department of Homeland Security.

“I can only hope that Gov. Scott Walker appoints someone who is committed to the public safety of all Milwaukee County residents and will put their job to the people of the county ahead of politics and self-promotion because Milwaukee County certainly deserves better than the likes of Sheriff Clarke.”

State Rep. David Crowley, D-Milwaukee, chair of the Milwaukee Legislative Caucus: “It is a good day for the residents of Milwaukee County but an equally bad day for our nation. Through the efforts of thousands of Milwaukee citizens, local and state officials, and advocacy groups like Voces De La Frontera, Sheriff Clarke faced warranted scrutiny and saw the best way to make Milwaukee great again was to jump ship.

“In his time as Milwaukee County Sheriff, David Clarke had four inmates die under his supervision, repeatedly made inappropriate and incendiary comments, promoted violence, and used threats and intimidation against innocent citizens. How could anyone possibly think that this would be a good candidate for any position in Homeland Security, let alone the assistant secretary

"Unfortunately, a fearmongering loud voice promoting division and hatred is exactly the type of person that President Donald Trump is looking for. Today I join my city in rejoicing the resignation of Sheriff Clarke but my thoughts and prayers are with our nation.”

State Sen. Chris Larson: “With this disturbing news, it’s clear that Trump continues to betray the nation’s trust with his appointment of Milwaukee County Sheriff as the newest member of the Trump Deportation Team. This is the same person who attempted to incite violence against the very institutions he has sworn to protect by telling people to get their ‘pitchforks and torches.’

“In January, Clarke threatened violence to fellow air passengers saying, ‘next time he or anyone else pulls this stunt on a plane they may get knocked out.’ That threat came after a passenger on a plane shook his head at him. Sheriff Clarke has, again and again, shown our community and the nation a disturbing pattern of bizarre, irresponsible and menacing behavior. Our neighbors are right to be concerned with the damage Clarke could wreak on the national stage.

“Trump knows that Clarke will back bad policies that betray our values, harm our neighbors, and enforce policies that rip families apart. As Milwaukee County Sheriff, Clarke recklessly pursued joining the Trump administration in their implementation of 287(g), which gives local law enforcement the ability to operate as federal immigration agents. Many of our neighbors oppose the program as it allows law enforcement to stop and question people based on just their appearance.

“It’s no wonder Clarke was seeking an escape from his Milwaukee County mess before the next election, as he is facing communitywide anger for his gross mismanagement of the Milwaukee County Jail, including the recent tragic death of Terrill Thomas by dehydration. In a span of just months, four families lost their loved ones due to Clarke’s negligence and lack of supervision over his department."