Gov. Evers skeptical about mass deportations, won't deploy troops to assist

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers downplayed President-elect Donald Trump's pledge to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and said he won't deploy the Wisconsin National Guard to assist those efforts, if asked.

It comes as many blue states are preparing to take steps to try and block Trump from using the military or other avenues to deport thousands of undocumented migrants.

Evers told reporters he doesn't believe the state will be forced to assist with mass deportations plans and doesn't plan on mobilizing the National Guard members either.

"We're not going to organize that," Evers said. "I can guarantee you."

The Democratic governor said he prefers members of Congress to pass legislation to help secure the southern border.

"I'm hopeful that Republicans and Democrats in Washington, DC and the new president make it their goal to do something legislatively," Evers said. "That's the most important thing to fix this system."

Trump has repeatedly said on his first day in office he wants to begin mass deportation. He's also previously said he'd declare a national emergency, which would authorize him to deploy troops on U.S. soil.

If the U.S. is legally able to move forward with Trump's plans, authorities are likely to run into logistical headaches.

Experts have cast doubts there's enough personnel to conduct sweeping deportations of undocumented migrants. Others fear it could potentially harm the economy by impacting the nation's agriculture industry resulting in higher prices for food, groceries and other industries.