Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin are taking decisive action to crack down on local officials who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, introducing legislation that would cut state aid to counties shielding illegal immigrants charged with felony crimes. Governor Tony Evers, however, has vowed to veto the measure. Evers vetoes come after President Trump historic victory where voters supported his policies demanding stronger immigration enforcement.
The bill, led by Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin) and Rep. Barb Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc), would require county sheriffs to verify the immigration status of individuals in custody for felony offenses and notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they cannot provide proof of legal residency. Counties refusing to comply would face a 15% reduction in shared revenue payments from the state—a penalty that could cost Milwaukee County, a sanctuary county, over $8 million.
Bradley made it clear at a press conference that public safety should not be dictated by political ideology. “Do not put your personal politics above the safety of the citizens who elected you,” he warned. The bill would also mandate that sheriffs comply with ICE detainers and administrative warrants for individuals in their jails, ensuring that dangerous criminals are not released back into Wisconsin communities.
Republicans argue that state and local officials have a responsibility to support federal immigration enforcement, particularly as President Donald Trump prioritizes removing illegal immigrants who pose a threat to public safety. Since Trump’s inauguration, federal agents have arrested more than 8,000 individuals.
“Wisconsin must assist the federal government in deporting illegal immigrants,” said Bradley. “Far-left extremists are the only ones who believe that someone here illegally, who commits a felony, should be allowed to stay.” He cited the Laken Riley Act, which passed Congress with bipartisan support and expands detention requirements for illegal immigrants charged with crimes.
The legislation comes as Dane and Milwaukee counties have been flagged by ICE as “noncooperative institutions.” Dane County recently withdrew from the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which reimburses local governments for incarcerating illegal immigrants. Milwaukee County’s Democrat-led board has repeatedly resisted collaboration with ICE, with supervisors calling the new GOP proposal “dangerous” and accusing Republicans of “scapegoating immigrants.”
Governor Evers has already declared the bill a “non-starter,” calling it an attempt to “micromanage” local law enforcement. His spokesperson, Britt Cudaback, dismissed the proposal as an “unserious” political stunt. Yet, Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August (R-Walworth) pushed back, pointing out that many sheriffs already work with ICE because they recognize the necessity of removing criminal illegal aliens from Wisconsin streets.
Evers’ opposition raises serious concerns about his commitment to public safety. Voters across the country, including in swing states like Wisconsin, overwhelmingly support stronger border security and tougher enforcement against criminal illegal immigrants. Even Democratic lawmakers in Washington supported stricter detention policies in the Laken Riley Act.