Governor of Wisconsin expresses no fear following hint from Trump official about potential arrest
Title: Wisconsin Governor and Trump Officials Square Off Over Immigration Guidance
Every American Should Worry, Says Evers About Border Advisor's Arrest Threats
Madison, WI - In a bold video posted on YouTube, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers voiced his concerns over remarks from President Trump's top border advisor, Tom Homan, who suggested potential arrest for Evers due to the Democratic governor's immigration enforcement guidelines.
"I'm not afraid," Evers declares in the striking video. "I've never once been discouraged from doing the right thing, and I will not start today."
At the heart of the issue is a memo issued by Evers' administration last month, which provides guidance to state employees on what to do if federal immigration agents appear at their offices. The recommendations — mirroring those from Connecticut's Democratic governor and advocacy groups like the National Immigration Law Center — advise employees to seek legal counsel, avoid granting computer or file access without legal approval, and refrain from answering questions without an attorney present.
However, Republican critics argue that the guidelines amount to an order not to cooperate with ICE agents, a claim that Evers vehemently denies in the May 2 video. He maintains that the aim was to provide state employees with "clear, consistent instructions" to ensure they have a lawyer present to help them abide by all relevant laws.
Evers labels the accusations and the resulting controversy as lies and misinformation spread deliberately to create an artificial uproar. He reiterates that he has not broken any laws and has not encouraged or directed anyone to do so.
Homan's comments come in response to questions posed by reporters outside the White House. Homan warned, "Wait to see what's coming," when asked about the Evers memo. He accuses anyone obstructing or knowingly harboring illegal immigrants of committing felonies and treating such actions accordingly.
Some Republicans have welcomed the threat of Evers' arrest. Wisconsin state Rep. Calvin Callahan posted a fake image on social media depicting Trump apprehending Evers in a police uniform.
The drama unfolds a week after Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on felony charges, accused of helping an individual evade immigration authorities by escorting him out of her courtroom.
Stay tuned for more as the controversy surrounding immigration enforcement roles deepens, with Democrats emphasizing legal protections, and Trump officials pushing for stricter collaboration.
Bauer writes for the Associated Press.
Additional Resources:
- Protesters in Milwaukee decry FBI arrest of county judge
- Federal officials arrest a Milwaukee judge accused of obstructing an immigration arrest
- Arizona governor vetoes bill requiring local officials to help with federal immigration efforts
- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, in a YouTube video, expressed concern over threats of arrest from President Trump's border advisor, Tom Homan, regarding Evers' immigration enforcement guidelines.
- The controversy stems from a memo issued by Evers' administration, providing guidance to state employees on interacting with federal immigration agents, similar to Connecticut's Democratic governor and the National Immigration Law Center.
- Republican critics claim the guidelines amount to disregarding ICE agents, a charge that Evers denies, claiming they aim to provide state employees legal counsel when interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Homan, in response to reporters' questions, warned of potential consequences for obstructing or knowingly harboring illegal immigrants.
- Some Republicans, including Wisconsin state Rep. Calvin Callahan, have welcomed the threat of Evers' arrest, with Callahan posting a mock image of Trump apprehending Evers.
- The debate comes a week after Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan's arrest on felony charges for allegedly helping an individual evade immigration authorities.
- As the immigration enforcement role controversy deepens, Democrats focus on legal protections, while Trump officials push for increased collaboration, all unfolding under the umbrella of general news, crime and justice, politics, policy-and-legislation, and crime-and-justice reporting.
