MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed serious concerns about recent comments made by President Donald Trump's top border adviser, Tom Homan, suggesting that Evers could face arrest over guidance provided to state employees regarding federal immigration agents. In a video shared on YouTube, Evers stated, "I'm not afraid. I've never once been discouraged from doing the right thing, and I will not start today."
The controversy stemmed from guidance issued by Evers' administration last month, aimed at helping state workers navigate situations involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials showing up at their workplaces. The guidance recommended that state employees contact an attorney immediately when confronted by immigration agents. It also advised them not to hand over paper files or permit ICE access to electronic records without consulting their agency's attorney and to refrain from answering questions from the agents.
This advisory bears similarities to guidance provided by Connecticut's Democratic Governor in January and reflects recommendations from various advocacy groups, such as the National Immigration Law Center, which emphasize the rights of individuals in the presence of immigration officials. However, some Republican critics interpreted the guidance as an overt instruction for Evers' administration not to cooperate with ICE. Evers strongly denied these claims, asserting that the intent was to provide state employees with "clear, consistent instructions" to ensure legal compliance.
In the video, Evers refuted the accusations from Republicans, who he accused of distorting the narrative surrounding the guidance to create a "fake controversy." He stated, "I haven't broken the law. I haven't committed a crime, and I've never encouraged or directed anyone to break any laws or commit any crimes."
Diving deeper into the discussion, Tom Homan, asked about Evers' memo, issued a warning, saying, "Wait to see what's coming." Homan elaborated on his stance, expressing that while individuals have the right to support sanctuary cities, crossing the line into "impediment or knowingly harboring and concealing an illegal alien" could lead to felony charges, implying that Evers could be held accountable under these terms.
Several Republican lawmakers have reacted positively to the notion of Evers facing potential arrest. Wisconsin State Representative Calvin Callahan shared a manipulated image on social media depicting Trump proudly in a police uniform while Evers appears handcuffed outside the state Capitol, intensifying the ongoing political drama.
The exchange between Homan and Evers follows the recent arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who was charged with two felonies for allegedly helping a man evade immigration authorities. Dugan reportedly escorted the individual and his attorney out of her courtroom through a jury door upon discovering that federal agents were seeking his arrest.
This unfolding scenario highlights the escalating tension surrounding immigration policy in the United States, as state leaders navigate the complex and often contentious relationship between federal and state regulations regarding immigration enforcement.
