MADISON, Wis. (AP) — In a notable development within Wisconsin's political landscape, Democratic Governor Tony Evers has openly questioned the viability of a proposal from his own lieutenant governor, Sara Rodriguez, which aims to ban federal immigration enforcement actions around sensitive areas such as courthouses, schools, and day care centers.
Rodriguez, also a Democrat, is in the race for governor this year after Evers announced he would not seek a third term. At a news briefing, Evers expressed skepticism over whether the ban could be realistically implemented or if it even should be pursued, given the potential backlash from federal authorities, particularly under the Trump administration.
Rodriguez’s proposal, which she introduced on Monday, seeks to prohibit immigration enforcement around locations including hospitals, licensed child care centers, schools, domestic violence shelters, and places of worship, with exceptions for scenarios involving judicial warrants or immediate threats to public safety.
“I’m not sure we have the ability to do that,” Evers remarked regarding the proposed ban, expressing concerns that such actions could provoke heightened responses from Washington, D.C.
This initiative from Rodriguez follows a tragic incident in Minnesota where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot Renee Good, igniting protests condemning aggressive immigration tactics across the country. In response, Minnesota and its cities have initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration to halt enforcement actions.
Rodriguez is advocating for transparency, calling for ICE agents operating in Wisconsin to be identifiable and to wear body cameras to enhance accountability during enforcement actions.
“No one should be afraid to drop off their kids at school or seek medical care amid enforcement actions that lack clear rules,” Rodriguez emphasized.
Meanwhile, Evers commented on the necessity of ICE operations, stating he believes Wisconsin can manage its own internal affairs without federal intervention.
