Wisconsin Sees Rise in Immigration Enforcement by Sheriff Offices

In recent years, there has been a noticeable escalation in immigration enforcement efforts across Wisconsin, raising concerns about the impact on local communities and relationships with law enforcement. A new report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sheds light on this trend, revealing a surge in the adoption of controversial programs like 287(g) and an increase in data sharing between local agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Rise of 287(g) Programs

The ACLU report underscores the growing participation of Wisconsin sheriff's offices in the 287(g) program, which empowers local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE in immigration enforcement activities. Since 2020, a significant number of sheriffs have joined this program, actively contributing to what the ACLU describes as the "jail-to-deportation pipeline." The report highlights that these agreements allow ICE to embed its presence within local jurisdictions, often overriding community-driven policies against immigration enforcement.

Data Sharing and Financial Incentives

Beyond 287(g), the report reveals a concerning trend of data sharing between Wisconsin law enforcement agencies and ICE. Through the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and numerous counties receive federal funds in exchange for providing data to ICE. This raises concerns about the potential for misuse of this information and the erosion of privacy rights.

Furthermore, the report exposes financial arrangements between local sheriffs and ICE, where counties are compensated for housing and transporting immigrants for deportation. These agreements, which have been established in counties like Brown, Sauk, and Ozaukee, raise ethical questions about prioritizing financial gain over community well-being.

Impact on Community Trust

The ACLU's findings underscore the detrimental impact of increased immigration enforcement on community trust. The report argues that these practices divert local resources from essential safety initiatives, heighten the risk of racial profiling, and erode the relationship between law enforcement and immigrant communities. The expansion of ICE detainer requests, despite their lack of legal authority under Wisconsin law, further exacerbates this issue.

In response to these findings, the ACLU is urging community members to engage with local officials, demand transparency regarding ICE cooperation, and advocate for policies that prioritize community safety and trust. The organization is also calling on lawmakers to oppose legislation that would compel sheriffs to collaborate with ICE regardless of their own priorities or local concerns.

The ACLU's report serves as a timely reminder of the need to protect civil liberties, uphold community values, and ensure that immigration enforcement policies are carried out in a fair and humane manner. It calls for a more nuanced approach to immigration that prioritizes collaboration, respect for human rights, and the well-being of all individuals within Wisconsin communities.