MADISON…Today, Legislative Republicans unveiled legislation aimed at combating illegal immigration in Wisconsin.  The bill would require county sheriffs to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when a criminal is in their custody.  Majority Leader Tyler August (R-Walworth) noted this is a common-sense proposal that will increase the safety of our communities. 

“Republicans will look to partner with President Trump to ensure local law enforcement all across Wisconsin are working with the federal government to remove criminals from our communities that are here illegally,” August said.  

Specifically, the bill would require a sheriff to attempt to verify the citizenship status of individuals who are arrested for a felony.  If citizenship cannot be verified, then the bill requires the sheriff to contact ICE, and if a detainer has been issued, the sheriff must hold and detain the individual. 

“Quite frankly, most people would probably be shocked that felons who are here illegally are being released into our communities,” said August.  “These criminals are not the types of individuals we want on our streets.”

Under President Trump’s leadership, the federal government has ramped up the efforts of ICE to pursue and deport criminals all across the United States.  In fact, in 2024 alone, ICE arrested over 80,000 illegal aliens with criminal histories nation-wide, which included over 57,000 assaults, 18,000 sexual assaults, and nearly 3,000 homicides.

“Due to the failure of the Biden Administration to enforce our border, we are left with a significant public safety crisis to address,” explained August.  “There are certain law enforcement officials in Wisconsin who have not been cooperating with federal officials.  We need all law enforcement to detain these criminals to ensure Wisconsinites’ safety.”