(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s Assembly Republican leadership is asking Gov. Tony Evers to rescind a memo from the Department of Administration asking state employees not to answer questions from a federal agent, give access to systems or information and to call the state Office of Legal Counsel.
“Today, we ask that you rescind this guidance to avoid future conflicts between state and federal authorities, to assist our brave men and women in law enforcement, and to ensure the Trump administration’s goal of deporting violent illegal immigrants is given the full assistance of the state of Wisconsin,” the Republican letter said.
It was signed by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Majority Leader Tyler August and, in total, 41 Republicans from the Assembly.
The letter cites the arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan for allegedly assisting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz to avoid being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside of a Milwaukee County courtroom.
“It’s our understanding that your administration has issued guidance to state officials to impede the work of federal authorities,” the Republican letter said. “The guidance directs state officials to, among other things, not answer questions, not give access to files, and not give consent to enter non-public areas, even when presented with a lawful warrant.”
Earlier this week, Vos called the memo a scare tactic from Democrats aimed at scaring state employees about ICE agents.
“As the Trump administration continues its efforts to deport thousands of non-citizens who entered our country illegally during the Biden administration, our caucus believes it is imperative that our laws reflect the need for local law enforcement to comply with these efforts,” the letter said.
