Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s border czar, issued a stern warning to Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers regarding a memo instructing state employees to contact legal counsel before cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, suggesting Evers and other government officials could face felony charges if they impede federal immigration law enforcement efforts.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday in Washington, D.C., Homan said, “Wait to see what’s coming,” adding, “if you cross that line to impediment or knowingly harboring and concealing an illegal alien, that’s a felony and we’re treating it as such.”
In a YouTube video response today, Evers called Homan’s remarks “chilling” and rejected claims of lawbreaking, stating, “I’m not afraid. I’ve never once been discouraged from doing the right thing and I will not start today.” Evers emphasized that the guidance aimed to ensure state employees have legal support to comply with laws while protecting workplace rights, not to obstruct ICE operations.
In the video, Evers says, “We’re not encouraging anyone to break the law. We’re simply ensuring that our state employees have the tools they need to protect the rights of everyone involved and keep our workplaces safe and secure.”
The five-point memo instructs employees to “remain calm and immediately notify their supervisor,” ask agents to identify themselves and present documentation, contact their office’s attorney, avoid answering questions, and not grant access to nonpublic areas or data without legal counsel approval.
Anne Hanson, deputy secretary of the Department of Administration, wrote in an email accompanying the memo, “While we hope it won’t be necessary to put this guidance into practice, please do your part to be prepared and have contact information for your agency Office of Legal Counsel readily available.” The guidance mirrors recommendations from the National Immigration Law Center, which advises contacting an attorney and denying entry without a judicial warrant.
Republicans swiftly criticized the directive. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., posted on X, “Tony Evers is at it again. Now, his administration is ordering state employees to block ICE from doing their job. Wisconsin deserves better.” Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming called it an order to “impede justice,” arguing it defies President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
The controversy intensified after the April 25 arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, charged with obstructing ICE agents attempting to arrest a defendant in her courtroom. Evers, responding to allegations that his guidance encourages illegal activity, told WISN-TV, “That’s what they would say no matter what.” He denied instructing employees to break the law.
Assembly Republicans, including Speaker Robin Vos and Majority Leader Tyler August, sent a letter Tuesday urging Evers to rescind the guidance, claiming it impedes federal authorities.
Evers’ administration maintains the guidance responds to employee questions amid heightened ICE activity under Trump’s administration. Democrats argue it protects workplace rights, but Republicans insist it undermines public safety and federal authority
Previously on Dairyland Sentinel
