Assembly passes bill requiring sheriffs to assist ICE with deportations

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Republican lawmakers approved legislation that would require county sheriffs to work with federal immigration officials on deportation efforts.

The Assembly approved the bill on Tuesday along party lines.

The bill would force sheriffs to identify illegal immigrants by requesting proof of U.S. citizenship for those being held in county jails for felony offenses. If county sheriffs fail to comply, they could lose 15% of state aid, known as shared revenue.

For Milwaukee County, that would result in a reduction of $7.5 million, according to a 2023 memo from the nonpartisan legislative fiscal bureau on shared revenue collections.

During debate on the bill, Republicans criticized sheriff departments in Milwaukee and Dane County because both have pushed back against the Trump administration goal of carrying out mass deportations.

"This not only helps ensure public safety, but it also helps bring accountability to local jurisdictions to Milwaukee and Dane County," said Rep. Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger).

Back in 2019, the Milwaukee County sheriff's office said the county would no longer provide information to ICE regarding inmates living in the county illegally.

The sheriff's office has not responded to requests for comment about the bill.

Opponents argued the measure would misdirect time and resources from sheriff departments.

"We know there's a tremendous financial impact on this bill," said Rep. Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha). "This bill is forcing Wisconsinites to carry their papers with them everywhere they go."

Gov. Tony Evers is expected to veto the proposal if it reaches his desk. Earlier this year he called it a "nonstarter."