Illegal immigration is an issue of great importance to many Waukesha County voters. Retiring Sheriff Eric Severson was a regional leader when he successfully sought 287g immigration authority years ago for the Waukesha County Jail. This allows deputies to perform federal immigration functions in the jail, screening inmates for deportation orders and immigration status.
Since that time, other Wisconsin jails have followed suit, and the ACLU is trying to get the liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court to ban sheriffs from entering into 287g agreements. The Sheriff’s Department website explains that the mission of the program is: “To protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws.”
“The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This section of the law authorizes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement officers, under the direction and oversight of ICE, pursuant to a signed memorandum of agreement (MOA),” the website says.
Meanwhile, there is a Republican bill pending to mandate that sheriffs cooperate with ICE; that passed the Assembly but hasn’t been called by the state Senate. In light of the fact that Waukesha County has been a leader on the topic, we asked all three candidates for Waukesha County sheriff whether they support the 287g program continuing. All did. Here’s what they each said.
Nick Ollinger
1. I fully support our involvement in the 287g program.
2. I will absolutely continue the 287g program as well as our Federal Housing certification, which allows for the legal and safe transfer of custody of people who are in this country illegally that have committed crimes. These programs keep citizens, officers and inmates safe while ensuring we are upholding our oath to the community.
3. I will honor all ICE detainers and continue to meet the requirements of the 287g program.
I am currently a sitting member of the Border Security Committee of the National Sheriff’s Association. The unchecked influx of illegal immigrants that was allowed under the Biden Administration effectively made every community a border community. We have dealt with members of Tren De Aragua and other South American gangs in our jail in Waukesha and as Sheriff I will be committed to keeping those types of criminals out of our communities.
Learn more about Nick Ollinger here.
Danny Day
“Yes, I fully support the 287g program. Further, I would continue the program and honor all ICE detainers.”
Learn more about Danny Day here.
John Gscheidmeier
1. As a former law enforcement officer, master trainer & instructor, I unequivocally support all law enforcement efforts, and fully support the application of 287g as is done today within the Waukesha Sheriff’s Department. It doesn’t matter to me which level of law enforcement, under my administration we will fully support them all.
2. Under my administration we would continue the program “as is” – it was well crafted and designed, and completes the objectives of the program and the role of the department. It also allows for the orderly and safe transfer of wanted individuals rather than the creation of chaos we’re seeing in other parts of the country for political stunts and purposes.
3. Under my administration WSD would honor all detainees. It is not only our job, but our duty, to uphold all laws, whether federal, state or local. Whether it be ICE, FBI, SS, DCI; we will fully cooperate with all agencies. We also will continue to build the relationships with our county partners and local law enforcement agencies.
Learn more about John Gschiedmeier here.
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