[Madison, WI] – Yesterday, State Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) joined his Assembly Republican colleagues in passing Assembly Bill (AB) 24, legislation he co-authored which requires Wisconsin sheriffs to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when an individual booked into jail is charged with a felony.
“We must do everything we can to protect our communities, and that means ensuring violent felony offenders are removed from our streets—and, if here illegally, from our country,” stated Rep. Callahan. “I stand with law enforcement in the Northwoods and across Wisconsin. Unfortunately, some counties are choosing politics over public safety, putting their residents at risk.”
Currently, Wisconsin law does not require local sheriffs to cooperate with ICE. AB 24 would impose reductions in state aid to counties that refuse to comply and require tracking of data on individuals verified as unlawfully present and the crimes committed.
“To make the 35th Assembly District a safer place to live, work, and raise a family, we cannot allow dangerous, illegal immigrants to be released back into our communities,” continued Rep. Callahan. “This bill ensures the law is followed, public safety is prioritized, and illegal immigration is addressed in Wisconsin.”
AB 24 passed the State Assembly on a party-line vote and now moves to the State Senate for consideration.
