In Madison, Wisconsin, a memo issued by Governor Tony Evers’ administration has stirred controversy among Republicans. The guidance, which advises state employees on how to react if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agents at work, is seen by critics as an undermining of federal law, particularly concerning President Trump’s prioritized immigration policies.
Reportedly distributed late last week, the memo arrives amidst heightened deportation initiatives by the Trump administration, which have sparked legal challenges and opposition from Democratic leaders. The recommendations provided in the memo have drawn mixed reactions, illuminating the broader national debate over immigration.
Anne Hanson, the deputy secretary of the state’s Department of Administration, clarified that the guidance was issued to help state employees address situations involving federal agents at their workplace. The document instructs state workers to stay composed and inform their supervisor immediately upon contact with ICE agents. Employees are advised to verify the agents’ identities and reasons for their visit and to consult with their office’s legal counsel. The memo advises against answering agents’ questions, allowing them into restricted areas, or permitting access to digital or paper records without proper legal authorization dictated by a judicial warrant.
This standard procedure aims to protect sensitive information, stressing that without a valid warrant, access to confidential data is prohibited. The guidance is not unique; similar protocols have been recommended by other public entities and advocacy groups, like the National Immigration Law Center, which echoes the importance of legal counsel in these situations.
Despite this, Republicans including U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany have criticized the memo, alleging that it instructs state employees to obstruct ICE operations. Tiffany, a potential contender for governor, expressed discontent via social media, questioning the direction in which the state is headed. Brian Schimming, Chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party, accused the guidance of jeopardizing public safety and undermining law and order.
These disagreements reflect ongoing tensions within the state about immigration enforcement. The Republican-majority Wisconsin Legislature recently passed a bill compelling county sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, a measure Governor Evers has implied he may veto. Concurrently, a Democratic proposal seeks to restrict state and local collaboration with deportation proceedings absent a judicial warrant, although it faces bleak prospects in the legislature.
News of the memo was initially released by conservative radio host Dan O’Donnell on social media, sparking widespread debate over the issue. This situation underscores the divergent approaches at the state and federal levels regarding immigration enforcement, with both political sides entrenched in opposing strategies.