Wisconsin Advocacy Groups: Threats Against Gov. Evers Undercut Rule of Law

WISCONSIN – In response to recent calls for Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ arrest over state guidance issued regarding ICE in State of Wisconsin buildings, 21 advocacy groups issued the following statement:

“We, the undersigned organizations committed to safeguarding democracy and protecting civil rights and liberties, unequivocally denounce the recent threats made by White House Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations Tom Homan, often referred to as “border czar,” for suggesting the potential arrest of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers over lawful guidance provided to state employees regarding interactions with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

“Gov. Evers' directive advising state personnel to consult legal counsel when approached by ICE agents is a prudent measure aimed at ensuring compliance with state and federal laws while protecting the rights of state employees. This guidance mirrors similar protocols adopted in other states and aligns with recommendations from legal advocacy groups, including the National Immigration Law Center.

“The insinuation by a federal official that a sitting governor could face arrest for issuing such guidance is not only baseless but represents a dangerous escalation in the politicization of law enforcement. Such threats undermine the foundational principles of our democracy, including the separation of powers, the rule of law, and the right of state governments to operate without undue federal interference. To threaten our governor over his legal directive is gross overreach by our federal government, and it is not occurring in a vacuum. Similar occurrences are happening across the nation, including within our academic systems. If we do not reject these actions now, states and other institutions will only lose more and more of their autonomy and power. This is exactly why we underscore Gov. Evers' claim that this event is ‘chilling.’

“We are particularly alarmed by the broader context of these threats, which occur amidst a series of actions by the current administration that appear to target political opponents and erode democratic norms. The recent arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, under circumstances that many view as politically motivated, further exemplifies a troubling trend toward the use of federal power aiming to intimidate and silence dissent, especially of state officials.

“In response to these developments, we affirm the following:

• Support for Gov. Evers: We stand in solidarity with Gov. Evers and commend his commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of Wisconsin's public servants.
• Defense of Democratic Institutions: We call on all elected officials, regardless of party affiliation, to reject the use of federal authority as a tool for political retribution and to uphold the foundations of our democratic institutions.
• Demand for Accountability: We urge Congress and relevant oversight bodies to investigate these threats and to take appropriate action to prevent the misuse of federal power for political ends.

“Our democracy thrives when leaders act impartially and respect the rule of law. We must not allow intimidation and authoritarian tactics to take root in our political system. Preserving our democratic values requires vigilance, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice.”

Signed,

• All Voting is Local
• American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin
• All in Wisconsin Fund
• Wisconsin Working Families Power
• Worth Fighting for Wisconsin
• Building Unity
• We Own It
• African American Roundtable
• Oregon WI Area Progressives
• DemCast USA
• Grassroots North Shore
• Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice
• Opportunity Wisconsin
• Milwaukee Area Labor Council
• Progress North
• Wisconsin Council of Churches
• Leaders of Kenosha
• Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
• Milwaukee Turners
• Fair Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Public Education Action
• Black Leaders Organizing Communities (BLOC)