MILWAUKEE - The ACLU of Wisconsin deplores President Trump’s stated proposal to deny federal COVID-19 assistance to states and localities that refuse to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The president floated the possibility of making “sanctuary city adjustments” to the newly-passed relief package intended to help health care providers and small businesses manage the pandemic.

COVID-19 is affecting all of us, especially communities of color and other marginalized groups,” said Tim Muth, ACLU staff attorney.  “Amid an unprecedented health crisis, medical care and other forms of public aid must be accessible to everyone, regardless of immigration status. At a time when the government should be focused on serving all of us, the Trump administration has ramped up its attacks on immigrants, attempting to use the virus as a vehicle to advance a cruel, xenophobic agenda.”

“Wisconsin is home to many welcoming cities and towns which embrace their immigrant communities, and the ACLU of Wisconsin will vigorously oppose policies aiming to punish municipalities which have refused to be part of Trump’s deportation machine.” 

Since the virus took hold in Wisconsin, the ACLU of Wisconsin has been advocating for comprehensive responses which include immigrants, pushing county sherrifs not to cooperate with ICE, and speaking out against those who have.