U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

 In April 2025, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued guidance to state employees on handling encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The memo advises employees to remain calm, request agent identification, and consult with legal counsel before granting access to nonpublic areas or sharing information. This guidance aims to ensure compliance with state and federal laws while protecting confidential data.

Republican leaders criticized the directive, accusing Evers of obstructing federal law enforcement. U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany claimed it amounted to "ordering state employees to block ICE from doing their job," while Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming labeled it an order to "impede justice" .

The controversy intensified when Tom Homan, President Trump's border adviser, suggested that Evers could face arrest over the guidance. Evers responded in a video message, stating, "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" He emphasized that the guidance was intended to provide clear instructions to state employees and ensure legal compliance.

Legal experts and civil rights organizations, including the ACLU of Wisconsin, defended Evers' actions. They argued that advising employees to consult legal counsel is a prudent measure to ensure adherence to the law and protect individual rights

This incident reflects broader tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement and raises concerns about the politicization of law enforcement actions.