WI Republicans to unveil immigration bill targeting law enforcement
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Republicans in the state Legislature are planning to introduce legislation next week targeting immigration and deportation efforts following the Trump administration sweeping executive actions.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told reporters Republicans will unveil legislation that would force law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officials carrying out deportations.
"It's going to require that everyone is going to have to follow the law and cooperate with ICE," said Vos, who did not provide additional details on the bill.
The announcement comes after two police departments, Beloit and Janesville, issued statements earlier this month telling residents they will not engage in immigration enforcement or partner with federal officials on mass deportations.
Both agencies said they would only cooperate with ICE unless the immigrant in question is suspected of a serious or violent crime, terrorism or gang activity.
Beloit Chief Andre Sayles and Janesville Chief Chad Pearson were unavailable to comment on GOP lawmakers' plan, but officials reiterated their prior statements.
"The Janesville Police Department will not ask about a person's immigration status to enforce immigration laws, and officers are committed to applying the law fairly and impartially without regard to an individual's citizenship or immigration status," the department said in a Facebook post Monday.
During his State of the State address, Gov. Tony Evers called on lawmakers to find a bipartisan solution immigration amid the uncertainty of the Trump administration.
"I know there is a lot of angst about what may happen in the days, months, and years ahead," Evers said Wednesday. "Let’s agree that we can continue to be a state that enforces our laws when and if they are broken but still embraces our shared history and all those who have helped write our Wisconsin story."
Despite Evers' request, GOP lawmakers said they're prepared to assist with President Trump's efforts to deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes.
"[Evers] said as long as you follow the laws and work hard you should be able to achieve the American dream, that's true but people that are here illegally should not be here," said Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August.