Wisconsin state employees have been instructed to refuse cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to a Department of Administration (DOA) memo dated April 18 and obtained by conservative radio host Dan O’Donnell.
The memo outlines detailed procedures for government workers to follow if ICE agents appear at state facilities.
Instead of assisting federal immigration authorities, employees are directed to withhold information, block access to files and offices, and restrict agents’ movements inside government buildings unless specific legal conditions are met.
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The memo provides the following guidance to state workers:
- Refuse to answer any questions from ICE agents, even regarding individuals known to be sought by federal authorities.
- Deny agents access to paper records and electronic files, even if the agents present a warrant.
- Prevent agents from entering any non-public areas of state buildings unless they produce a judicial warrant.
- Instruct agents to sit in public waiting areas and delay any interactions until a state attorney can be contacted.
- Order ICE agents to leave and return at a later time if legal counsel is not immediately available.
REPORT: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers administration instructs all state employees to help illegal immigrants avoid ICE. pic.twitter.com/N6eb7Q98O8
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) April 26, 2025
An email from Deputy Secretary Kathy Hanson circulated with the memo acknowledged that the directive was created in response to concerns raised by state employees over encounters with federal agents.
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Hanson wrote, “We have received questions from state employees regarding what to do in case of an encounter with federal agents at work. Similar to other public entities that have issued guidance, we are providing the enclosed information.”
Hanson added, “While we hope it won’t be necessary to put this guidance into practice, please do your part to be prepared and have contact information for your agency Office of Legal Counsel readily available.”
EXCLUSIVE: Democrat Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers ordered all state employees to obstruct ICE and other federal law enforcement investigations, saying “do not answer questions, including when an agent asks about someone you know or presents a warrant with an individual name.” pic.twitter.com/iwpgZXRLMg
— Dan O’Donnell (@DanODonnellShow) April 21, 2025
The memo comes at a time of heightened tension over immigration enforcement and state-level policies.
The outlined procedures effectively instruct government employees to delay or obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts, even in cases involving individuals with outstanding warrants or criminal backgrounds.
The memo’s release follows broader concerns about state-level resistance to federal immigration law.
In recent weeks, public attention has turned to cases like that of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who was federally charged for allegedly aiding an illegal immigrant in evading ICE custody.
Dugan faces charges under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1505 for “obstructing or impeding a proceeding before a department or agency of the United States,” and under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1071 for “concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest.”
Authorities allege that Dugan helped a violent illegal immigrant from Mexico avoid detention by federal immigration officers.
Wild! Attorney General Pam Bondi explains what really happened with Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan that led to her arrest by FBI:
“The Judge learns that ICE was outside to get the guy, because he had been deported in 2013, came back into our country, charged with committing these… pic.twitter.com/Af7a1JdJR4
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 25, 2025
The newly uncovered Wisconsin directive raises concerns about the extent to which some state governments may be willing to challenge or undermine federal immigration enforcement.
It also highlights potential legal risks for employees who choose to follow guidance that could conflict with federal law.
Federal officials have not yet commented on the leaked memo, but legal experts note that states and their employees could face consequences for actively obstructing federal law enforcement actions.
The situation continues to unfold as immigration enforcement remains a central issue nationally, particularly as President Donald Trump’s administration continues efforts to strengthen federal authority over immigration policy.
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