Wisconsin Governor Vetoes GOP Bill Aiding ICE Enforcement

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Post on Feb 06, 2025

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Wisconsin Governor Evers Vetoes GOP Bill Enhancing ICE Enforcement

Madison, WI – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has vetoed a Republican-backed bill that would have significantly increased cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The move, announced late Tuesday, sparked immediate backlash from GOP lawmakers who accused the governor of prioritizing illegal immigration over public safety. However, Governor Evers defended his veto, highlighting concerns about the bill's potential impact on immigrant communities and its infringement on local autonomy.

The bill, Assembly Bill 45, sought to mandate state and local law enforcement agencies to comply with ICE detainer requests, essentially requiring them to hold individuals suspected of being in the country illegally beyond their release date so ICE agents could take custody. Supporters argued the measure was crucial for enhancing public safety by removing potentially dangerous individuals from Wisconsin communities. They pointed to instances where individuals released from custody went on to commit crimes.

<h3>Evers Cites Concerns Over Due Process and Local Control</h3>

Governor Evers, in his veto message, expressed serious reservations about the bill's impact on due process rights and the erosion of local control. He argued that the bill would force local law enforcement agencies to act as immigration agents, a role he believes is outside their purview and potentially detrimental to community relations. "This bill undermines local control and jeopardizes the trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities," Evers stated in a press release. "It prioritizes federal immigration enforcement over local priorities and risks making our communities less safe."

The governor's office also emphasized the potential for racial profiling and the chilling effect the bill could have on immigrant communities reporting crimes. Fear of deportation, they argued, could discourage victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement, ultimately hindering investigations and endangering public safety.

<h3>Republicans Condemn Veto, Accuse Evers of "Sanctuary State" Policies</h3>

Republican lawmakers swiftly condemned Governor Evers' veto, accusing him of prioritizing the interests of undocumented immigrants over the safety of Wisconsin residents. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called the veto "disappointing and irresponsible," claiming it sends a message that Wisconsin is a "sanctuary state," a label often used to describe jurisdictions that limit cooperation with ICE. Republican legislators have vowed to continue pushing for stricter immigration enforcement measures in the future.

The debate surrounding AB 45 highlights the ongoing national conversation about the role of state and local governments in immigration enforcement. While some states have enacted laws enhancing cooperation with ICE, others have adopted sanctuary policies, creating a patchwork of approaches across the country.

<h3>Impact on Wisconsin's Immigrant Communities</h3>

The veto's impact on Wisconsin's immigrant communities remains to be seen. Advocacy groups celebrated the decision, praising Governor Evers for prioritizing community safety and protecting the rights of immigrants. However, the debate is likely to continue, with both sides continuing to advocate for their positions in the coming months and legislative sessions. This ongoing discussion underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of immigration policy in the United States.

Keywords: Wisconsin, Governor Evers, ICE, Immigration, Veto, GOP, Republican, Assembly Bill 45, Detainer Requests, Sanctuary State, Public Safety, Due Process, Local Control, Immigrant Communities, Racial Profiling.

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