A newly discovered memo from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ administration, instructing state employees on how to respond to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, has sparked intense backlash from Republicans who argue it undermines federal law enforcement efforts and jeopardizes public safety.
The guidance was first brought to public attention by Dan O’Donnell, a WISN Radio talk show host, through a post on X.
The memo, authored by Anne Hanson, deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration, was sent via email to state employees. In the email, Hanson stated: “We have received questions from state employees regarding what to do in case of an encounter with federal agents at work. Similar to other public entities that have issued guidance, we are providing the enclosed information.”
The memo itself outlines five key steps for state employees to follow during encounters with ICE or other federal agents. It advises workers to remain calm, notify their supervisor immediately, and request identification and the purpose of the visit from agents. Employees are directed to contact the Office of Legal Counsel, consult with an attorney, and avoid answering questions or providing access to files without a judicial warrant. One specific instruction reads: “Do not answer questions, including when an agent asks about someone you know or presents a warrant with an individual name.”
Republicans were quick to condemn the directive, accusing Evers of obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
Northern WIsconsin U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is considered a potential candidate for governor in 2026, voiced his disapproval. In a post on X, Tiffany stated: “Tony Evers is instructing state employees to obstruct ICE and other federal law enforcement investigations. This is a dangerous precedent that undermines national security.”
On O’Donnell’s afternoon show, Tiffany, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, said his office would be alerting U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Evers memo.
The Republican Party of Wisconsin released a statement calling the governor’s actions “a blatant defiance of the law and a reckless endangerment of Wisconsinites.” The party further criticized Evers for “obstructing justice” and called on federal authorities to investigate whether the memo violates federal law.
The memo arrives at a time of heightened political tension over immigration policy in Wisconsin, a battleground state where Republicans and Democrats have long been at odds on the issue. Recently, the Republican-led Wisconsin Assembly passed legislation requiring county sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, a bill Evers has signaled he will likely veto. Earlier this year, Evers also dismissed a Republican proposal that would have required local law enforcement to assist ICE in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants, describing it as unacceptable..
Last updated 3:50pm April, 21, 2025
