Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has rejected a Republican-backed bill that would have required local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, calling the proposal a “non-starter.” The legislation, aimed at strengthening enforcement efforts against illegal immigration, sought to mandate that police departments assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and detaining undocumented individuals.
The proposed measure would have prevented local governments from adopting policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration officials. Supporters of the bill argued that it was necessary to close gaps in enforcement and ensure that individuals in the country illegally, particularly those with criminal records, do not evade deportation due to local non-compliance.
Evers, however, dismissed the proposal, stating that it would place undue burdens on local law enforcement agencies and undermine trust between police and immigrant communities. He emphasized that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that requiring state and local officers to carry out these duties could strain resources and divert attention from public safety priorities.
Opponents of the bill, including immigrant advocacy groups and some law enforcement officials, applauded the governor’s decision, arguing that forcing police to act as immigration agents could discourage undocumented residents from reporting crimes or cooperating with authorities. Republican lawmakers, however, criticized the move, claiming that it weakens border security efforts and enables sanctuary policies.
The debate over immigration enforcement at the state level remains a contentious issue, with Wisconsin now joining a growing list of states where Republican lawmakers are pushing for stricter local cooperation with ICE. While this bill has been rejected, similar proposals are expected to resurface as immigration continues to be a focal point in national and state-level politics.