Wisconsin, Texas Push for Stricter ICE Collaboration

The Wisconsin Assembly passed a bill requiring county sheriffs to collaborate with ICE on deportation efforts, despite Democratic Governor Tony Evers' vow to veto it. The bill mandates sheriffs to verify the citizenship of those in custody for serious offenses and report undocumented immigrants to ICE, threatening a 15% cut in state aid for non-compliance. This legislation, criticized for potentially diverting resources and impacting local law enforcement budgets, follows a national trend aimed at stricter immigration enforcement. Similarly, in Texas, Senate Bill 8 would require sheriffs of larger counties to enter partnerships with ICE under the 287(g) agreements, though this initiative has faced opposition over concerns regarding resource allocation and racial profiling. Both states' efforts reflect a broader federal push to intensify immigration controls, although evidence suggests immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born citizens. The legislative measures are part of ongoing debates on balancing immigration enforcement with civil rights and local governance priorities.