Wisconsin immigration issues; state leaders want change

In Wisconsin's battle over immigration, state lawmakers want to change how local police operate. 

Immigration battle

What we know:

President Trump's administration says it has started its work of deportations. The president says millions will be sent back. 

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, said he is not aware of any ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids in the state just yet. 

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"It’s hard for me to visualize exactly what’s happening on the ground because the federal government hasn’t been exactly forthcoming in what’s happens," Evers said.

Gov. Tony Evers

What's next:

Wisconsin Republicans say next week they will unveil a plan to require law enforcement cooperation with ICE. Right now, local police departments in the state have a patchwork of policies about how they deal with ICE. That means some are able to cooperate more or less enthusiastically than others. 

"We’re going to make sure that is someone is here illegally and commits a crime, they are going to be deported, by cooperating with ICE," said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican.

Robin Vos

The governor would have to sign the proposal, but some are not sure the proposal will ever become law. 

What they're saying:

"The locals have to make that decision themselves and apparently they are," Evers said.

‘Is that something you would consider signing?" asked FOX6’s Jason Calvi.

"You know, that should be done as the last question. It’s between the locals and the federal government. So I’m not sure the legislature needs to step in here. I think locals can handle it," Evers answered.

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"We’re hoping it’s political rhetoric. Then anything else, even if you just look at the economics impact of it right now, Wisconsin doesn’t have enough workers to fill even the open jobs that exist right now," said Darryl Morin, National President of Forward Latino.

Darryl Morin

On Wednesday night, Gov. Evers delivered his State of the State address. He said the immigration system is unworkable and unsustainable. Evers called for bipartisan solutions, but did not lay out what that might be.  

The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.

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