The City of Whitewater, Wisconsin, is grappling with an escalating immigration crisis that has severely stretched its resources, according to a new investigate report from the Institute of Responsible Government. Since 2022, the city has seen an influx of over 1,000 migrants from Central America, primarily from Nicaragua and Venezuela. This surge has overwhelmed local services, with significant impacts on law enforcement, housing, and education.

The report is extensive and detailed. If you want to get a broad overview of the report, please listen to this WSAU radio segment by Meg Ellefson with the report author. 

Whitewater Police Chief Daniel Meyer has reported a marked increase in criminal activities involving the newcomers, including serious crimes like sexual assault and kidnappings. The department has struggled with language barriers and unfamiliarity with local laws among the migrant population. The influx has diverted police resources from proactive policing to managing immediate crises. Additionally, the presence of MS-13 gangs’ members and significant cartel operations have further complicated law enforcement efforts.

Whitewater’s housing market has been unable to keep up with the rapid population growth. Many migrants live in overcrowded and substandard conditions, including families residing in unheated sheds during winter. Reports of children left unattended while parents work and instances of sexual assault have surfaced, highlighting the dire living situations. The city has found it challenging to enforce housing regulations due to difficulties in proving overoccupancy.

The Whitewater Unified School District has faced significant challenges integrating migrant children. The district has seen a sharp increase in “newcomer” students, many of whom lack English proficiency and basic educational backgrounds. School resource officers have had to focus on issues like truancy and the lack of transportation options for students. The district’s efforts to address these challenges include hiring bilingual staff and providing resources to support multilingual learners.

Efforts to manage the crisis have included seeking additional state and federal funding. However, these efforts have often fallen short. Meetings with Governor Tony Evers and communications with Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation have yet to yield substantial support. The city’s administration has also engaged with local non-profits and businesses to provide immediate aid, such as medical care and transportation for migrants.

Both the police department and school district are considering referendums to secure funding for increased staffing and resources. The city’s leadership emphasizes the need for long-term solutions to manage the ongoing demographic changes. Community initiatives have included educational expos for new residents and proposals for community policing strategies to bridge cultural gaps.

The situation in Whitewater reflects the broader issues stemming from America’s broken immigration system, affecting small communities unequipped to handle such rapid demographic shifts.