MADISON, Wis. — Today, Rep. Ann Roe (D-Janesville) joined Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milwaukee) and Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) to announce a bill addressing the federal government’s immigration enforcement in Wisconsin. In recent weeks, threats to immigrant communities in Wisconsin have escalated from Wisconsin Republicans and the Trump administration. This bill is aimed at preventing state employees and local law enforcement from detaining individuals in places of worship, schools, hospitals, and public-owned buildings. This bill also seeks to inform individuals of their rights and prohibit state taxpayer dollars from aiding in the deportation of immigrants. 

After the press conference, Representative Roe said: “We want to make sure schools, hospitals, and places of worship remain free of fear, so individuals can receive the services they deserve as members of our community.”

Also in today’s news, The Trump administration announced a freeze on all loans, grants, and funding for services and states. Governor Tony Evers sent a letter to the President urging him to release federal funding already approved for Wisconsin by Congress. 

In the letter, Governor Evers stated: “The President’s memorandum also provides no indication as to when the federal government will resume payments on affected funding but suggests this suspension may continue for weeks, at minimum. With very few details and specifics available, virtually no time for ample review and consideration, and no direct communication to date, states are left to plan for the worst, and Wisconsinites and millions of Americans who are rightfully alarmed and concerned by this unprecedented decision are left scrambling.”

Following the news, Rep. Roe stated: “Today, I have been switching between words of outright fury and immense sadness and disappointment in our representation and leadership in Washington D.C. This type of legislating by executive order is harmful to our rule of law and is causing disruptions for Wisconsinites throughout the state – including but not limited to veterans, seniors, kids, families, schools, non-profit service agencies like shelters and after school programs. The damage is real and unconscionable.”