The government of Democratic Governor Wisconsin, Tony Evers, issued a guide directed at state employees on how to act if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or other federal agents show up at their workplaces.
This measure, sent on Friday by the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Administration (DOA), Anne Hanson, caused strong criticism from Republican leaders who labeled it as an attempt to obstruct federal law and undermine the efforts of President Donald Trump's administration on immigration.
The five-point guide, developed in response to inquiries from state employees, advises workers to remain calm, notify their supervisor, request the agent's identification and legal documentation of their presence, and immediately contact their office's attorney.
La guía presentada por el gobierno demócrata del estado establece como deben actuar los inmigrantes ilegales frente a un operativo de la policía
Additionally, it recommends not answering questions, not allowing access to non-public areas, or to files or computer systems, without prior legal consultation. Even if the agent presents a warrant, the guide clarifies that it must be a valid court order and that an attorney will determine which areas are covered by it.
The DOA explained that it has no record of ICE recently attempting to enter state offices, and that the measure is based on concerns expressed by public employees.
Meanwhile, DOA spokesperson Tatyana Warwick defended that the document is consistent with similar guidelines adopted in other states like Connecticut and that it also follows the recommendations of the National Immigration Law Center and other civil rights advocacy groups.
The content of the memorandum was initially disseminated by conservative broadcaster Dan O'Donnell, which triggered a wave of Republican criticism.
La información especificada por los demócratas fue difundida por el conservador Dan O'Donnell
Congressman Tom Tiffany accused Evers of ''ordering state employees to block ICE's work,'' while Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming called it a measure that ''impedes justice'' and goes against public safety.
Meanwhile, State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos accused Evers of ordering employees to ignore court orders and called the situation ''shameful.''
In response to these accusations, Tim Muth, senior attorney for the ACLU of Wisconsin, defended the legality and moderation of the document, stating that it simply advises caution and respect for individuals' privacy and legal rights.
Muth argued that consulting with an attorney in the presence of federal agents is prudent advice and that the guide doesn't contradict the Constitution, particularly the Fourth Amendment, which protects against searches without a valid court order.
Esta medida de los demócratas generó fuertes críticas de los republicanos
This debate occurs in a broader political context in Wisconsin, where the legislature, controlled by Republicans, has promoted a bill to require local sheriffs to cooperate with ICE. Evers has indicated that he will likely veto this measure.
Meanwhile, Democrats have presented a counter-proposal that would prevent state and local officials from collaborating with deportations without a court order, although it has no chance of advancing in the current legislature.
Additionally, the national context also influences. Wisconsin's guide arises after the Trump administration's revocation of a policy from the Biden era that restricted immigration arrests in ''sensitive'' locations like schools, churches, and hospitals.
El presidente Trump eliminó una descabellada ley de Biden que impedía arrestar inmigrantes ilegales en ciertos lugares
