ICE crackdown divides swing state candidates as GOP nominee vows to mandate sheriff cooperation
Republican Wisconsin gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany vowed Wednesday to mandate cooperation between local sheriffs and federal immigration authorities, drawing a sharp contrast with Democrat David Crowley during their debate.
The clash over immigration enforcement policies has become a central issue in Wisconsin's gubernatorial race, with Republican nominee Tom Tiffany pledging to mandate cooperation between local sheriffs and federal immigration authorities. During a debate hosted by WISN-TV, Tiffany directly addressed whether he would legally require such cooperation, stating: "Yes, I believe we should. They should honor detainers."
Tiffany argued that coordination with ICE allows authorities to remove illegal immigrants accused of crimes while they are still being held in county jails. His position stands in sharp contrast to Democratic candidate David Crowley, who opposes a blanket ban on cooperation but seeks restrictions on ICE operations.
Immigration enforcement surge
The debate occurs as Wisconsin experiences a sharp increase in federal immigration enforcement since President Trump returned to office. Federal data shows ICE arrests in the state reached new highs over the summer, with more than 2,100 people detained between January 2025 and the latest reporting period.
Twenty Wisconsin county law enforcement agencies already participate in ICE's 287(g) program, which allows designated local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. The issue has also emerged in sheriff races in Sauk and Winnebago counties ahead of the November election.
National immigration battle
Trump's immigration crackdown has increasingly collided with state and local governments, putting sheriffs and police departments at the center of a national fight over how far local authorities should go to help federal agents carry out the president's mass deportation agenda.
I will make sure that local, county and state law enforcement coordinate with federal law enforcement.
The tension extends beyond Wisconsin, as evidenced by President Trump's criticism of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul over her state's ban on ICE partnerships. Fifteen New York sheriffs are currently suing the governor over this policy, while Virginia sanctuary counties have reportedly ignored 1,670 detainer requests over two years, according to the House Judiciary Committee.
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