Governor Tony Evers Responds to Controversy Over State Immigration Guidance
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers addressed concerns regarding federal immigration policies on Friday, emphasizing that threats from President Trump’s top border advisor about potential legal repercussions were alarming for all Americans.
Context of the Guidance Issued
The controversy stems from guidance issued by Evers’ administration last month, intended to assist state employees on how to handle encounters with agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This guidance was prompted by inquiries from state workers about their responsibilities during such encounters.
Governor’s Stance
In a video released on YouTube, Evers reassured his audience, stating, “I’m not afraid. I’ve never once been discouraged from doing the right thing and I will not start today.” He clarified that the recommendations aimed to ensure that state employees had legal representation when required, emphasizing the importance of complying with the law.
Details of the Recommendations
- Immediately contact a lawyer if approached by ICE agents.
- Request that ICE return if an attorney is unavailable.
- Do not provide access to paper files or electronic devices without consulting legal counsel.
- Avoid answering questions from immigration officials without legal representation.
This guidance aligns with practices already instituted by other Democratic governors, including Connecticut, and reflects recommendations from advocacy groups like the National Immigration Law Center.
Criticism and Defense
Some Republican lawmakers criticized Evers, claiming his guidance effectively shores up a noncooperation stance towards ICE. Evers has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that he seeks to provide “clear, consistent instructions” for state employees. He accused his critics of spreading misinformation, asserting, “I haven’t broken the law. I haven’t committed a crime and I’ve never encouraged or directed anyone to break any laws or commit any crimes.”
Reactions from Republican Officials
In response to the Evers memo, Trump’s border advisor, Tom Homan, hinted that legal actions could follow, stating, “You cannot support what we’re doing… if you cross that line… we’re treating it as such.” Some Republican lawmakers have even suggested that Evers could face arrest, with Wisconsin State Rep. Calvin Callahan sharing a manipulated image depicting Evers in handcuffs.
Recent Legal Cases
This tension unfolds amid ongoing legal challenges, including the recent arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, accused of assisting an individual in evading federal immigration enforcement.
Conclusion
The situation underscores the contentious climate surrounding immigration policies at the state and federal levels, highlighting the complexities faced by public officials and employees navigating these challenging issues.