Republican Tom Tiffany calls for mandatory cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as some areas of Wisconsin have strengthened connections with ICE.
Wisconsin law enforcement agencies are facing increasing pressure to clarify their relationships with ICE under President Donald Trump’s expanded immigration enforcement efforts. Tom Tiffany pledges to require county sheriffs to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if he were to be elected. (RELATED: Packers Legend Donald Driver Returns to Dancing With the Stars)
On the other hand, Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley calls for additional restrictions on federal agents. Crowley said he would not support a complete moratorium regarding cooperation with federal immigration officials, but he did oppose law enforcement contracts with ICE. He also opposed requiring judicial warrants before federal agents enter jails and prisons, and preventing immigration agents from concealing their identities with masks.
During Wednesday’s gubernatorial debate, Tiffany said Wisconsin sheriffs should be required to honor federal immigration detainers. “I will make sure that local, county and state law enforcement coordinate with federal law enforcement,” Tiffany said. When asked whether he would mandate cooperation through state law, Tiffany responded, “Yes, I believe we should. They should honor detainers.”
Earlier this year, an investigation surveyed Wisconsin sheriffs and examined department policies, finding that many agencies had updated their procedures since Trump’s return to office in January 2025. Of the 68 sheriffs who provided information, a majority reported that they did not honor federal immigration detainers. Meanwhile, the number of Wisconsin sheriffs participating in ICE agreements had nearly tripled since the beginning of 2025, reaching 20 counties. (RELATED: Toney Challenges Kaul on Drug Investigations, Crime Lab Delays in AG Debate)
In Milwaukee County, Sheriff Denita Ball requires agents to obtain a judicial warrant before deputies will detain someone solely for immigration enforcement purposes. Walworth County Sheriff Dave Gerber entered a formal ICE partnership, while Rusk County Sheriff Phillip Grassmann directed deputies to stop routinely notifying immigration authorities when booking immigrants into jail. Federal data showed more than 2,100 ICE detentions in Wisconsin between January 2025 and the latest available reporting period.
