Immigration (Sanctuary Policies)

SB 493 prohibits state and local government agencies, including law enforcement, from detaining individuals solely because they are not lawfully present in the United States. The bill also bans state and local entities from entering into or continuing agreements with the federal government for immigration enforcement under 8 USC 1357(g). However, it does not prevent cooperation with federal authorities when required by a valid judicial warrant. This law directly affects all state agencies and local governmental units in the state.

SB 484 prohibits state and local governments from using public facilities (like jails or detention centers) to detain people solely based on their immigration status. It also bans state or local funding from being used to establish or operate immigrant detention facilities. This directly affects cities, counties, sheriffs' offices, and state agencies that manage public facilities or funds. The bill prevents local governments from participating in immigration enforcement through detention or funding, while allowing detention for other legal reasons.

AB 24 requires Wisconsin county sheriffs to verify the immigration status of individuals jailed for felony offenses by requesting specific documentation (such as passports, birth records, or immigration documents) to confirm lawful presence in the U.S. If verification fails, sheriffs must notify federal Homeland Security and comply with federal detainer requests. Sheriffs must annually report compliance and maintain records of individuals found unlawfully present, with data shared with the state justice department. Counties failing to comply face a 15% reduction in state funding for the following year. The bill directly affects felony inmates, sheriffs, and state-local funding relationships.