WMCA Expresses Serious Concern Over Milwaukee Police Chief’s Training Trip to Israel

The Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance (WMCA) is deeply troubled by Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman’s participation in a counterterrorism training program in Israel from December 1–7, 2024, sponsored by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA). This trip, occurring amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, raises serious concerns about the potential adoption of tactics that could harm marginalized communities, including Muslims, in Milwaukee.

We stand with residents who expressed strong opposition at the recent Fire and Police Commission meeting. Learning from Israeli national police, whose methods have faced widespread international criticism, risks importing militarized approaches that could erode trust and lead to increased surveillance or profiling of Black, brown, and immigrant communities.  Multiple human rights organizations have documented Israel’s record of human rights abuses, brutal military occupation, and system of apartheid subjugated upon the Palestinian people. Chief Norman’s training and collaboration with Israeli security forces increases the risk of more racist, abusive, and aggressive policing tactics being implemented in the Milwaukee community. 

While we note Chief Norman’s defense of the trip as an opportunity to enhance community safety, the broader context cannot be ignored. Such programs often blur the line between legitimate counterterrorism and oppressive policing practices.

WMCA calls on Chief Norman and the Milwaukee Police Department to:

• Fully disclose the training curriculum, funding, and any strategies implemented as a result.

  • We provided the commissioners and the schedule all the information is being shared, Fire Police Commision - oversight board, give us their materials of the training and schedule,, FPC will review this.  

• Explicitly reject tactics that could increase racial profiling, surveillance, or excessive force against vulnerable groups.

  • Facial rec data, they won’t use it that way, you can’t use the results, evidence that its not black and white. Parameters will not be racist, 

  • This will still be discussed and its ongoing, and right now with the world we are living in this, there hasn’t been anything solidfiied. 

  • And work with 

• Engage directly with Muslim and other affected communities to prioritize trust-building, de-escalation, and equitable public safety.

• (we make that commitment and its no excuse, they want to build bridges and communicatie and cultural awareness,  

• Make a commitment to end trainings and collaborations with Israeli security forces.

  • There isn’t a collaborations, in light of new orleans and caused the community harm, purpose was counter terrorism. Is terrorism is real, its free and its an opportunity etc. education to better serve our community, no collaboration, give this information to everyone association, there is no relationship with jinsa, major city chiefs they recommended it. 

We commend Fire and Police Commission member Krissie Fung for publicly calling the trip “unconscionable” and for her apology to residents. Milwaukee’s leaders must choose inclusive, ethical approaches that unite rather than divide our communities.

WMCA remains committed to justice, civil liberties, and peace for all Wisconsin residents. We welcome community members and allies to join us in this advocacy.

For media inquiries:Press@wmcalliance.org