The Sconi

Tom Tiffany, representative of Wisconsin, said sanctuary policies and judicial decisions are fueling crime and called on leaders to support law enforcement. The statement was made on X.

"The lawlessness in Wisconsin stems from failed leadership," said Rep. Tom Tiffany. "When Gov. Evers pushes sanctuary policies & Judge Dugan helps illegals flee, criminals feel empowered. Every official must condemn the threat against President Trump. [Every official must] back law enforcement working to keep America safe."

In early 2025, Wisconsin gained national attention when the Trump administration identified Milwaukee, Madison, Dane County, and Shawano County as "sanctuary jurisdictions." According to the Associated Press, Shawano County officials rejected this designation, explaining that their "Second Amendment Sanctuary" policy had been misinterpreted as an immigration stance. This misunderstanding reignited state-level debates regarding federal-local cooperation on immigration enforcement.

A report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin in 2022 revealed that over 12,000 immigrants were deported between 2006 and 2020 after being transferred from Wisconsin jails to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. The report highlighted that many county sheriffs lacked clear policies on immigration enforcement, contributing to what the ACLU described as a "jail-to-deportation pipeline." These findings raised concerns about due process and the treatment of immigrants charged with minor or no crimes.

In response to these issues, Wisconsin Republicans proposed legislation in 2025 requiring sheriffs to verify the immigration status of individuals charged with felonies and honor ICE detainers. As reported by Wisconsin Public Radio, the bill also mandates reporting to ICE if a person's legal status cannot be confirmed. Proponents argue it enhances public safety; however, opponents warn it could damage trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.

Tiffany represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and serves on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, he has supported legislation aimed at blocking sanctuary policies and increasing local cooperation with ICE. This aligns with his broader focus on strong border enforcement and immigration reform.

The U.S. House of Representatives plays a significant role in shaping national immigration policy through its Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees. Wikipedia notes that the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity and the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security oversee federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE. They are responsible for drafting immigration legislation and monitoring enforcement practices across the country.