GOP immigration bill would require Milwaukee to help ICE or lose state funding

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Republican lawmakers have proposed legislation that would require county sheriffs to assist federal immigration officials in finding individuals living in the country illegally or be at risk of losing state aid.

Republicans are looking to join a series of GOP-controlled legislatures across the country pushing restrictive bills that overhaul immigration enforcement in wake of President Donald Trump's mass deportation plans.

However, their effort is likely doomed after Gov. Tony Evers called it a "non-starter."

During a press conference, Republicans outlined the provisions of the proposal, such as requiring sheriffs to identify illegal immigrants by requesting proof of U.S. citizenship for those being held in county jails for felony offenses.

"This is a no-brainer bill," said Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk (R-Hubertus). "This will target criminal immigrants who have committed felonies, serious crimes."

If sheriff departments don't comply with the bill, counties would lose 15% of state funding, known as shared revenue, which helps pay for police, fire, EMS and other essential services.

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

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's office did not respond to a request for comment, however there are indicators they would not comply with the bill. In 2019, the department removed a policy that used to provide ICE information about inmates living in the U.S. illegally.

A coalition of Milwaukee County Supervisors and county officials issued a joint statement opposing the bill, arguing it "misdirects the time and resources of County sheriffs."

"The county sheriff in Milwaukee County is particularly overburdened and underfunded by state government and now they want us to stretch that force even thinner?" said Jack Eckblad, Milwaukee County 4th District Supervisor.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley also criticized the proposal, saying he's concerned with any measure that "could result in decreased shared revenue."

A spokeswoman for Gov. Evers said he would not sign a bill that would "reneges on our commitment to support local law enforcement, first responders, and communities across our state," referring to the shared revenue deal lawmakers enacted in 2023 that boosted state aid to municipalities.

"This is not a serious proposal," said Britt Cudaback, the governor's spokeswoman. "Republican lawmakers are trying to micromanage local law enforcement decisions by threatening to gut state aid by 15% for our local communities—that’s a non-starter."

Assembly Majority Leader Rep. Tyler August called it a "mistake" that Evers indicated he would veto the bill.

"[Evers'] is sending a signal to the rest of the county -- Hey, criminal illegal aliens, come to Wisconsin…I think that's dangerous for every community," August said.

Last week, Democrats introduced their own immigration proposal that would prevent state and local officials from detaining illegal immigrants. The bill is unlikely to pass the GOP-controlled legislature.

In addition, the GOP immigration enforcement bill would:

• allow sheriffs to seek reimbursement from the federal government for any costs incurred while holding individuals pursuant to the bill.
• require sheriffs to maintain a record of the number of individuals they ask for proof of citizenship status and what crimes they committed
• require sheriff offices to hold a detainer for at least 48 hours