The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.

Wisconsin families expect their government to prioritize safety, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that our communities remain places where people can live, work, and raise their children without fear. That’s why Governor Tony Evers’ April 3rd veto of Assembly Bill 24 is so deeply disappointing.

AB 24 was a straightforward, commonsense proposal. It would have required local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities when dealing with individuals arrested for serious crimes. Specifically, it ensured that sheriffs would inquire about immigration status in felony cases and comply with administrative warrants issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If they refused, counties would face reduced state aid, an accountability measure designed to ensure consistent enforcement of the law.

At its core, this bill was about one thing: removing criminal illegal aliens from our communities to keep Wisconsin families safe. It did not target legal immigrants, who follow the rules, contribute to our economy, and strengthen our communities. In fact, supporting legal immigration means ensuring that those who play by the rules are protected, not undercut by policies that allow dangerous individuals to remain in our neighborhoods after committing serious crimes.

Law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, put themselves at risk every day to enforce the laws passed by Congress and signed by presidents of both parties. When local governments refuse to cooperate, they don’t just make those jobs harder, they create real public safety risks. Individuals who should be transferred into federal custody can instead be released back into the community. That’s not compassion; it’s negligence.

Unfortunately, this veto reflects a broader trend. Across the country, and here in Wisconsin, we are seeing increased political support from Democrats for so-called “May Day” protests, an annual series of demonstrations held on May 1 that often focus on immigration policy, labor rights, and opposition to immigration enforcement. While peaceful protest is a fundamental American right, many of these events have become platforms for promoting policies that weaken enforcement of federal law and undermine cooperation with agencies like ICE.

Here in Wisconsin, the impact is already being felt. The Madison Metropolitan School District has announced plans to close schools on May 1, citing safety concerns and staffing shortages tied to anticipated protest activity. Regardless of one’s political views, shutting down classrooms should not be taken lightly, especially at a time when student outcomes are already cause for concern.

Academic performance in Madison and across Wisconsin has struggled to keep pace with national benchmarks in recent years, particularly in reading and math proficiency. Students are still working to recover from pandemic-era disruptions, and every day of in-person instruction matters. When schools close for political or logistical reasons tied to demonstrations, it is students, especially those already behind, who pay the price.

Unlike Milwaukee Public Schools, which is included in federal reporting through the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Madison’s results are measured primarily through state exams. Even there, the numbers are troubling. Just 35% of students are proficient in math and 38% in reading, placing MMSD in the bottom half of districts statewide. While not as low as Milwaukee’s widely reported single-digit proficiency rates for some student groups, Madison still faces significant achievement gaps and far too many students are not meeting basic benchmarks.

We should be focused on helping kids learn to read, write, and succeed in life, not normalizing missed school days due to political activism. Education must remain a top priority, and that means keeping classrooms open and focused on learning.

Governor Evers’ veto of AB 24 sends the wrong message at the wrong time. It signals a retreat from cooperation with federal law enforcement, a disregard for policies aimed at removing dangerous individuals from our communities, and a willingness to tolerate disruptions that ultimately harm Wisconsin families.

We can and must do better. That means supporting law enforcement at every level, enforcing the laws already on the books, welcoming legal immigrants who contribute to our state, and ensuring that our schools remain focused on educating the next generation.

Public safety, the rule of law, and strong schools are not partisan values. They are Wisconsin values.– Knodl, R-Germantown, represents the 24th Assembly District.