The Sconi

Jay Weber, host of WISN-Milwaukee, said that deporting most undocumented immigrants would not collapse Wisconsin's economy, though it could cause disruptions. The statement was made on X.

"The Wisconsin economy would not collapse if we deported most illegals," said Weber, Talkshow Host. "It would cause ripples and create problems, yes, but the state economy would not collapse. Come on."

In 2024, Wisconsin leaders engaged in a debate over the economic role of undocumented immigrant labor. Farmers emphasized its significance for agriculture and dairy industries. Reports indicate that undocumented workers constitute up to 70% of the labor force on Wisconsin dairy farms, raising concerns that stricter immigration enforcement could severely impact rural economies. This information is according to Spectrum News and UW-Madison’s School for Workers.

Approximately 70,000 undocumented immigrants reside in Wisconsin, with about 47,000 employed in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and food service. They contribute roughly $240 million in state and local taxes annually. Around 10,000 undocumented workers support the dairy sector by performing about 70% of the labor there. This data is provided by Wisconsin Watch and UW-Madison’s School for Workers.

Compared to other Midwestern states, Wisconsin’s reliance on undocumented labor in the dairy industry is notably high, with about 70% of dairy farm jobs occupied by undocumented workers. While immigrant participation in construction and service industries aligns more closely with regional norms, the state's dairy sector remains particularly vulnerable to changes in immigration policy. This analysis comes from Wisconsin Watch and the Wisconsin School for Workers.

Jay Weber has been a conservative talk show host on News/Talk 1130 WISN in Milwaukee since the 1990s. He began his career as a news reporter in Madison before becoming a news director and later taking over WISN’s Morning News drive-time slot. His program addresses local, state, and national issues from a conservative viewpoint.

WISN-Milwaukee (News/Talk 1130) is a commercial AM radio station owned by iHeartMedia that broadcasts news and conservative talk programming across Southeast Wisconsin. Operating at 50,000 watts during the day and 10,000 at night, its lineup includes local hosts like Jay Weber alongside syndicated national shows. The station has a broad audience reach and serves as a significant conservative outlet in Milwaukee.