Governor Defies Trump After ICE Threat

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has publicly rebuffed a warning from a top Trump administration official regarding state employee interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), characterizing the threat as a disturbing escalation of federal overreach. Evers responded to comments made by Tom Homan, the administration’s “border czar,” who suggested the governor was actively hindering ICE arrests.

The dispute stems from an April memo Evers issued to state employees, providing guidance on how to respond to potential encounters with ICE officials within state buildings. The memo advised employees to contact legal counsel and, if a staff attorney wasn’t immediately available, request ICE officers reschedule their visit. Homan, speaking at the White House, implied these instructions could be construed as obstruction, potentially leading to felony charges.

“If you cross that line to impediment or knowingly harboring and concealing an illegal alien, that’s a felony and we’re treating it as such,” Homan stated.

Evers, in a video released Friday, vehemently denied any wrongdoing. “The goal of this guidance was simple – to provide clear, consistent instructions to state employees and ensure they have a lawyer to help them comply with all federal and state laws. Nothing more, nothing less,” he explained. He further asserted he had never encouraged anyone to break the law.

The governor characterized Homan’s warning as “chilling,” expressing concern over what he sees as a pattern of intimidation from the federal government. “We now have a federal government that will threaten or arrest an elected official, or even everyday American citizens who have broken no laws, committed no crimes and done nothing wrong,” Evers stated. “And as disgusted as I am about the continued actions of the Trump administration, I’m not afraid.”

This confrontation occurs against the backdrop of increased federal scrutiny of local and state policies regarding immigration enforcement. Notably, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was recently arrested and charged with federal crimes related to allegedly assisting an undocumented immigrant in avoiding arrest. She has been suspended from her position by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The situation highlights a growing tension between state and federal authorities over immigration policy, raising questions about the limits of federal power and the rights of individuals and state employees. It’s a concerning development when providing legal counsel to employees, a standard practice, is framed as potential criminal activity. The administration’s approach appears to prioritize aggressive enforcement over collaboration and legal due process, potentially creating a climate of fear and distrust.