Politics
Dem Governor Backpedals After Tom Homan Threatens Arrest Over Immigration Order
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, released a statement claiming he did nothing wrong after issuing a guidance instructing state employees to refuse to cooperate with federal immigration agents regardless of whether they have a warrant.
White House border czar Tom Homan on Friday accused Evers of intentionally sabotaging federal immigration enforcement operations, suggesting the Democrat governor could face felony charges if operations are impeded.
The comments were made in response to a memo issued by Evers’ office to state employees last month, which instructed them to seek legal counsel if they encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at state facilities. Employees were further instructed not to turn over any documents or other items without an Evers Administration attorney present.
“I meant what I said, you can not support what we’re doing, and you can support sanctuary cities if that’s what you want to do, but 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,” Homan told reporters outside the White House on May 1.
In a three-minute statement released in response to Homan’s comments, Evers claimed the border czar is inventing a “fake controversy” before conceding that he will not stop ICE agents from conducting immigration enforcement operations in the Badger State.
“The goal of this guidance was simple, to provide clear, consistent instructions to state employees and ensure they have a lawyer to help them comply with all federal and state laws. Nothing more, nothing less,” he said.
The Democrat governor then railed against the president’s “right-wing allies” and Elon Musk, claiming that they “spread misinformation accused me of doing things I didn’t do or say, and fueled a fake controversy of their own creation.”
Evers then attempted to downplay the controversial memo, saying, “I haven’t broken the law, I haven’t committed a crime, and I’ve never encouraged or directed anyone to break any laws or commit any crimes.”
“Overnight Republican lawmakers piled on encouraging the Trump administration to arrest me. Joint threats like this should be of concern to every Wisconsinite and every American who cares about this country and the values hold here. We live in the United States of America, folks. We are a country of laws. The rule of law matters. Following the law matters,” the governor continued.
He concluded by saying that he is “not afraid” of the prospect of arrest and will “never be discouraged from doing the right thing.”
Evers’ guidance, which was obtained by Wisconsin Right Now, instructs state employees to refuse to answer questions from federal agents, “including when an agent asks about someone you know or presents a warrant with an individual name.”
Employees were further instructed to deny access to any documents or computer systems without first consulting an Evers Administration attorney, even when presented with a valid warrant.
The guidance also instructs state employees to block immigration enforcement actions in a “non-public area,” stating that agents will require a Judicial Warrant in order to do so. Evers’ attorneys would then provide further instructions on areas covered under such a warrant.
The email was sent just hours before Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for allegedly sheltering an illegal alien accused of a violent crime from immigration enforcement actions.
Dugan, who has been on the Milwaukee County bench for nearly a decade, is accused of obstruction of justice and concealing Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican illegal alien who has been implicated in a vicious assault, from arrest following a pre-trial hearing last week. She faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted on both counts.
Evers’ guidance — which clearly instructs state employees to undermine federal agents regardless of whether they have a warrant or not — appears to be consistent with Dugan’s actions. The Trump Administration has rejected Evers’ framing of the issue, including the claim that he merely mandated lawyers to oversee deportation processes.
