On Wednesday, a group of Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin argued that local law enforcement should cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enhance public safety. At a hearing for a proposed bill, they emphasized that sheriffs should be required to report people arrested for felony offenses to ICE if their immigration status cannot be verified.
The Bill’s Key Provisions
The bill, known as AB 24, aims to mandate that local sheriffs verify the citizenship of individuals arrested for felony offenses and notify ICE if their citizenship status cannot be confirmed. The legislation would also require sheriffs to comply with federal detainers and administrative warrants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for people held in local jails. This bill comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s administration’s efforts to step up deportations and restrict immigration.
Senator Julian Bradley and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, both Republicans, discussed the bill at a meeting of the Assembly Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. They argued that the bill is targeted only at people who have committed felony crimes, not those who are simply living in the U.S. without legal authorization.
“This is not about general immigration policy,” said Senator Bradley. “This is about individuals who are here illegally and commit felonies.” He added that the bill would help remove dangerous criminals from communities.
The Impact on Public Safety
Vos and Bradley pointed to specific examples to support their case, including a 2024 incident in Prairie du Chien, where a Venezuelan immigrant with gang ties was arrested for assaulting a mother and daughter. Vos claimed that if the local sheriff had notified ICE, the crime could have been prevented.
“The arresting police had no idea that this individual had a criminal background and was affiliated with a gang,” Vos explained. “ICE notification could have stopped this crime from happening.”
Opposition and Concerns
Not all lawmakers agree with the proposed bill. Rep. Tip McGuire, a Democrat from Kenosha, questioned why additional mandates for local law enforcement were necessary. He noted that sheriffs should have the freedom to make decisions based on local conditions rather than being required to follow federal mandates.
McGuire also raised concerns about the potential financial burden on counties. The bill stipulates that counties that do not comply with the new requirements could lose 15% of their state revenue. This penalty would be imposed in the following year, and compliance would need to be certified annually with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
“Law enforcement already faces challenges, including staffing and funding,” McGuire said. “This bill could make things worse for local governments that are already struggling financially.”
Challenges to the Bill’s Fairness
Another major concern raised by opponents of the bill is its potential to create fear in immigrant communities. Alondra Garcia, a former DACA recipient and educator, warned that the bill could encourage racial profiling and discourage immigrants from interacting with law enforcement when they are victims of crime.
“If people are afraid that their immigration status will be questioned during a routine traffic stop, they may be less likely to report crimes,” Garcia said. “This bill could break families apart and destabilize communities.”
The bill’s supporters, however, argued that it would not affect undocumented immigrants who are not committing serious crimes. According to Racine County District Attorney Patricia Hanson, the bill would primarily target undocumented individuals who commit violent felonies. “It’s about keeping dangerous criminals off the streets,” she said.
The Bill’s Legal and Political Ramifications
The bill specifies that individuals arrested for a felony offense would have to provide documents to verify their immigration status. These could include a U.S. passport, a state-issued birth certificate, or a permanent resident card.
However, critics like Rep. Jodi Emerson raised concerns about the practicalities of such requirements. “Not everyone carries official documents like a birth certificate,” she pointed out, asking how quickly law enforcement would expect people to provide such documents.
In response, Bradley stated that it would be up to law enforcement to use their discretion, but he acknowledged that there might be room for changes or adjustments to the bill.
Support and Opposition from Local Law Enforcement
The bill has garnered support from several law enforcement groups, including the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association. These groups argue that the law would help them work more effectively with federal agencies and improve public safety.
On the other hand, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and others have expressed strong opposition. They argue that the bill could lead to discrimination and fear among immigrants, discouraging them from reporting crimes or cooperating with police.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Bill?
The debate over this bill continues, with lawmakers on both sides of the issue offering strong arguments for and against. Supporters believe the bill will enhance public safety by making it easier to remove dangerous criminals, while opponents warn that it could harm immigrant communities and create unnecessary fear.
As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether it will gain enough support to become law or whether it will face continued resistance from those who see it as unjust or impractical.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
