Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers finds himself in a heated dispute with Trump’s Border Czar, highlighting the ongoing struggle between state and federal authority on immigration policy.
Quick Takes
- Evers condemned political threats for issuing legally vetted state employee guidance.
- The issued guidance did not obstruct ICE, but sought legal caution.
- Critics argue the guidance disrupts federal law enforcement, while Evers emphasizes constitutional adherence.
- A state bill requires compliance with federal immigration laws, pending Evers’ response.
Governor Evers’ Guidance Under Fire
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers faces harsh criticism from Republicans over state employee guidance concerning interactions with ICE. Evers assured the memo, legally vetted, aimed to ensure state employees remain compliant with the law. Nonetheless, Republican operatives, amplified by voices like Elon Musk, have mischaracterized the memo as obstructing federal law enforcement.
The guidance suggests employees seek legal counsel when approached by ICE, common practice in several states. Critics assert that this approach encourages defiance against federal mandates, which Evers’ administration denies.
Political and Legal Repercussions
President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, suggested state employees obstructing ICE could face felony charges. Governor Evers interpreted these remarks as targeting elected officials over localized immigration directives. “These threats represent a concerning trajectory in this country,” Evers stated, emphasizing lawful adherence. His guidance stresses protecting confidential data, requiring judicial warrants for data access, and reinforcing its aligned compliance with existing laws.
Governor Evers boldly stated, “We live in the United States of America, folks. We are a country of laws. The rule of law matters. Following the law matters in this country. The federal government doesn’t get to abuse its power to threaten everyday Americans.”
The controversy highlights a greater national conflict seen in Trump’s administration versus Democratic-led regions over cooperation levels with immigration officials. Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker criticized Evers for hindering law enforcement, asserting the memo encourages federal law defiance.
The governor of Wisconsin doubles down after Tom Homan smirked, claiming he would arrest any elected officials who harbored illegal immigrants.
Governor Evers insinuates that the Federal Government cannot arrest Illegal American citizens who have not committed a crime.
It… pic.twitter.com/D6No1M4uUF
— Anonymous Patriot (@0331online) May 4, 2025
Legislative Challenges
Wisconsin’s Assembly passed a bill mandating state compliance with federal immigration authorities, which Governor Evers may veto. A separate Democratic effort seeks to limit state cooperation with ICE in deportations absent judicial warrants, but lacks the votes in the GOP-majority Legislature. Amid this legal gridlock, Evers maintains his guidance is a safeguard ensuring employees’ rights and state compliance with the Constitution.
“The very fact that Tony Evers is instructing his employees to either break federal law or not cooperate with law enforcement is a new low for Tony Evers,” said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester.
Tensions continue as Trump’s federal moves seek to penalize jurisdictions skirting broad cooperation directives. The stand-off in Wisconsin exemplifies deeper tensions on state-federal immigration ties, amid national debates on local agency and federal compliance balance. Governor Evers remains steadfast in supporting the Constitution, warning against internal governance threats.
Sources:
- Not Afraid: Governor Evers denounces threat of arrest as Trump allies escalate political retaliation | Milwaukee Independent
- Evers pushes back after Trump’s border czar suggests state officials could be arrested for impeding ICE – WPR
- Wisconsin governor’s guidance on ICE agents draws Republican backlash | AP News
- Leftist WI Governor’s ICE Memo To State Employees Comes Under Fire
