This is an opinion piece by state Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk (R-Hubertus)
Today, I introduced new legislation to improve cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enhance public safety. Simply put, the bill helps ensure that illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes are identified in our jails so they can be removed from the state.
The bill, which I co-authored with Speaker Robin Vos and state Sen. Julian Bradley, is narrowly targeted toward the worst of the worst: people arrested for felonies. Yet Gov. Tony Evers is standing at the jailhouse door – and swinging it open. He prejudged the bill before it was even introduced, saying he would veto it.
I implore him to reconsider in the interest of public safety.
Let’s be very clear. Gov. Evers has two choices here. Stand with the public. Or stand with criminal illegals accused of felonies like child sexual assault, attempted homicide, fentanyl, and cocaine dealing, violence against women, and more.
As a former law enforcement officer and Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, I think this is a no-brainer. I know most Wisconsinites agree.
Time and again, we have seen horrific tragedies that could have been prevented in Wisconsin because of illegal immigrants who commit serious and violent crimes. The Dane County Sheriff refused 90 percent of ICE holds last year through November. Those include the most serious offenders, including an accused rapist, an accused carjacker, and even a man accused of stabbing another man.
We have seen fatal crashes and drug rings throughout Wisconsin that involve illegal immigrants. The tragedies go on and on. Many of these offenders have prior criminal records in Wisconsin. Law enforcement should do everything in its power to determine which accused criminals sitting in our jails are not here illegally. Victims deserve that. Public safety demands it.
The bill requires sheriffs to verify the citizenship status of individuals arrested for felonies and inquire with ICE if the status is unclear. If ICE issues a detainer, the sheriff must hold the individual for up to 48 hours for federal action.
As a former law enforcement officer, I know how crucial it is to keep dangerous individuals off our streets. This bill ensures that when we have the opportunity to hold someone pending federal action, we do so to protect our communities.
It’s disappointing that Gov. Evers prioritizes political agendas over the safety of Wisconsin families. By refusing to support this common-sense legislation, he is letting dangerous individuals remain in our communities. I stand with law enforcement and the people of Wisconsin in ensuring we take every step to protect our citizens.
Just a few weeks ago, Gov. Evers declared 2025 the “Year of the Kid.” I am calling on Gov. Evers to follow through with his declaration by signing this critical piece of legislation.
The legislation mandates sheriffs to track the number of unlawfully present individuals and their crimes and imposes financial penalties on local governments that refuse to cooperate with ICE. Additionally, sheriffs must seek reimbursement from the federal government for any costs assiated with holding individuals on detainers.
The bill comes after concerns about non-compliance by some local jurisdictions. In 2025, ICE issued nearly 150,000 detainers for noncitizens with criminal histories, highlighting the importance of law enforcement cooperation for public safety.
Editor’s note: Piwowarczyk co-founded Wisconsin Right Now. After his election to the state Legislature, he divested all ownership and editorial control in WRN. He will remain a WRN freelance contributor.
