Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for governor this year after Evers decided against seeking a third term.
Rodriguez proposed Monday that civil immigration enforcement actions in Wisconsin should be banned around courthouses, hospitals and health clinics, licensed child care centers and day cares, schools and institutions of higher learning, domestic violence shelters and places of worship. Rodriguez said there would be exceptions if there is a judicial warrant or an immediate threat to public safety.
“I’m not sure we have the ability to do that,” Evers said when asked about her proposal at a Monday news briefing.
Rodriguez's proposal to limit ICE actions in Wisconsin is largely based on proposals being offered in other Democratic-controlled states including California, New York, Illinois and New Jersey.
Rodriguez is also calling for all ICE agents operating in Wisconsin to be unmasked, clearly identified and wearing a body camera.
When asked if ICE agents were welcome in Wisconsin, Evers said, “I think we can handle ourselves, frankly. I don't see the need for the federal government to be coming into our state and making decisions that we can make in the state.”
Recently, a Wisconsin judge was found guilty of charges related to her helping an illegal alien escape from immigration officials who came to her court to arrest him.
