MADISON, Wis. (WBAY) – March 12, 2025 – A new Republican-backed bill aimed at tightening immigration enforcement is swiftly moving through Wisconsin’s state Legislature. The bill, known as Assembly Bill 24, seeks to enforce stricter citizenship verification for individuals arrested for felony offenses. However, the proposal is already facing strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers and immigrant rights groups.
What Does the Bill Propose?
Assembly Bill 24 would make it mandatory for sheriff’s offices across Wisconsin to verify the citizenship status of individuals arrested for felony crimes. If an arrested person’s legal status cannot be confirmed, the sheriff’s office must report them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
If any sheriff’s department fails to comply with this mandate, the county it serves would lose 15% of its state funding. This financial penalty has raised concerns among local governments that rely on state aid for public services, including law enforcement and infrastructure.
Why Is This Bill Controversial?
The bill has sparked intense debate between Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature.
- Supporters argue that it enhances public safety by ensuring that undocumented individuals who commit serious crimes are reported to federal authorities.
- Opponents, including Democratic lawmakers, say that the bill unfairly targets immigrant communities and could create distrust between law enforcement and the public.
Many sheriffs have also raised concerns, fearing that this law could strain their resources and complicate their relationships with immigrant communities.
Current Status of the Bill
The Public Safety Committee recently approved the bill, pushing it one step closer to becoming law. It is now set to go before the full Assembly for a vote.
However, even if the bill passes both the Assembly and the Senate, its future remains uncertain. Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, has already stated that he would veto the bill. This means that unless Republican lawmakers can gather enough votes to override the veto, the bill is unlikely to become law.
Potential Impact on Wisconsin’s Counties
If the bill were to pass and be signed into law, it would have significant financial consequences for counties that fail to comply.
- A 15% cut in state funding could mean reduced budgets for public safety, education, and social services.
- Local sheriffs could be put in a difficult position, caught between enforcing state law and maintaining trust with immigrant communities.
- Some law enforcement agencies worry that mandatory citizenship verification could lead to racial profiling and unnecessary fear among immigrants.
What’s Next?
The bill will soon face a critical vote in the Assembly. If it passes, it will move to the Senate for further consideration. However, with Governor Evers standing firm on his veto promise, the bill’s path to becoming law remains uncertain.
As the debate continues, Wisconsin residents and lawmakers remain divided on whether the bill prioritizes public safety or unfairly targets immigrant communities.
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