Guidance issued by the administration of Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Tony Evers has sparked controversy as it instructs state employees on how to handle visits from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agents. The directive, which aims to clarify procedures amidst intensified deportation efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration, has drawn criticism from Republicans who argue it defies federal law.
The memo, distributed to state employees last Friday, provides a five-point guideline on dealing with federal agents. Key instructions include maintaining composure, notifying supervisors immediately, and requesting agents to identify themselves while presenting their legal documentation. Employees are further advised to contact their office’s attorney before responding to any questions or granting access to nonpublic areas, paper files, or computer systems without a valid judicial warrant.
The guidance emphasizes the responsibility of Wisconsin state employees to safeguard confidential data, prohibiting unauthorized access to such information by ICE or any federal agent.
The advisory mirrors similar guidance provided by other public entities. In January, Connecticut’s Democratic governor issued comparable instructions, and advocacy groups like the National Immigration Law Center recommend similar precautions when dealing with immigration officials.
Republicans have seized upon the memo as a point of contention against Governor Evers, who has not yet announced if he will seek another term in the swing state. U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, a potential gubernatorial candidate for 2026, criticized the memo as obstructing ICE operations, expressing his disapproval on social media and involving U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming accused the governor’s administration of attempting to “impede justice,” claiming it undermines the Trump administration’s efforts to enhance public safety.
This development comes amid ongoing debates in the Wisconsin Legislature, where Republicans and minority Democrats hold opposing views on immigration enforcement. Recently, the Wisconsin Assembly passed a bill mandating county sheriffs to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, a measure Governor Evers is likely to veto. Meanwhile, Democrats have proposed legislation to prevent state and local government officials from cooperating with deportations without a judicial warrant, though it faces little chance of advancing in the Republican-controlled Legislature.
The memo was initially disclosed on social media by conservative talk radio host Dan O’Donnell, further fueling the political discourse surrounding immigration policies in Wisconsin.
