MADISON, Wis – Today, Representative Priscilla A. Prado (D- Milwaukee) co-sponsored new legislation that would protect individuals from federal agents who seek out immigrants for detention. The bill prevents any agent of the state in aiding in the detention of an individual on the exclusive basis or presumptive notion of being not lawfully present in the United States. Alongside other Legislative Democrats, a press conference was held regarding the bill and its urgent importance to Wisconsin’s immigrant communities.

Representative Prado released the following statement regarding the bill:

“Intentionally searching places where vulnerable populations of our community exist is shameful. Schools, churches, and hospitals are supposed to be safe spaces, not places where people, let alone our children, have fear of federal agents. We are taking action to protect our neighbors from the exploitation of unnecessary searches, seizures, and arrests using Wisconsin’s taxpayer dollars to fund federally sanctioned violence.”

This bill particularly protects individuals within a public facility, school, place of worship, place where child care services are provided, and place where healthcare services are provided. The bill additionally states that no arrests may be made without a properly executed judicial warrant, and prohibits any state agency entity from spending state money to assist in the detention of individuals based solely on being lawfully present in Wisconsin.

“It’s important that people are aware of their rights. Make sure that the agent has a warrant, and that the warrant is signed by a judge. If it’s not, you have the right to remain silent. Do not invite them into your home and do not answer any questions. We will fight to have our safe spaces remain sanctuaries.”