Milwaukee alderwoman wants protest parties outside police chief's home to end, but not all neighbors say they're a problem

For several days, protesters have staged "protest parties" outside the home of Police Chief Alfonso Morales, complete with music, dancing, grilling — even cornhole.

The protesters say they're "bringing the fight against racism to front doors." But Ald. Nikiya Dodd — who represents the 5th District, where Morales lives — says the protests are a nuisance and a threat to public safety that must be addressed immediately. 

Morales has been under scrutiny by the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission recently, with some speculating his job could be in jeopardy. He's faced criticism in recent months from other city officials on issues ranging from the department's use of tear gas to the discipline of an off-duty officer charged with homicide.

The party protests outside Morales' home began last Wednesday, organized on Facebook. Protesters arrived outside Morales' house with loudspeaker systems, food and refreshments. Off and on, they've chanted "You about to lose your job."

Dodd said earlier protests outside the homes of Barrett and other officials were peaceful, but the protests outside of Morales's house have become "lawless."

The party protests clog residential streets and could potentially block emergency vehicles, Dodd said. She added that some participants have been seen openly smoking marijuana and grilling food in the street.

Dodd called on Barrett and the city attorney to find a "legal remedy" and develop an "enforcement strategy" to address the disruptive behavior and traffic issues. 

"Exercising one’s First Amendment right is protected and critical, but do protests featuring illegal activities trump the quiet enjoyment of one’s home and neighborhood?" Dodd asked n a statement Monday evening. 

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel interviewed seven neighbors who had mixed opinions on the protests. Some said they were peaceful and understandable. Others said they're concerned about the loud music and additional traffic  or don't believe it's appropriate to protest outside a private residence — even if a public official lives there.

Neighbor Darcey Quever said the protests have seemed "like a block party."

Gregory Holley, a 53-year-old neighbor, said he's seen driveways blocked, a fire pit in the street and toddlers running through the road. He said he saw young children, about 4 or 5 years old, running up Morales' driveway and shining flashlights into the windows.

He called the police on the protests last week and said officers came, but took no action.

Jacarrie Carr, a 29-year-old whose parents live in the neighborhood, said he hasn't found the protests to be a disturbance.

"People feel some type of way," he said. "They need answers.”

Another neighbor, who asked not to be named, said the protests haven't been "rowdy," but the choice of location is inappropriate.

"He's got a family. That’s too much. He’s one man. Take that downtown,” the neighbor said, adding that Morales "can only do so much. He’s one person.”