Wisconsin Democrats introduce immigration bill to protect people in sensitive spaces

Channel3000 News ^ | January 29, 2025 | Meryl Hubbard

[Diana in Wisconsin]

MADISON, Wis. -- At the Wisconsin State Capitol Tuesday morning, representatives and local leaders introduced a bill that aims to protect immigrants who go to places like churches, schools, or hospitals from being detained solely based on their immigration status.

One week prior, President Trump signed an executive order that would allow law enforcement to enter sensitive areas to detain immigrants.

“The idea of federal agents entering a space where people are worshiping, it’s absolutely frightening to me,” said Reverend Dr. Jonathan Grieser of Grace Episcopal Church.

Rev. Grieser is trying to prepare the community for the future but feels uncertain about how new federal immigration policies will be carried out locally.

“These decisions seem to be taken without consideration for the implications for the larger community, for our most vulnerable people in our society,” said Rev. Grieser.

Rev. Grieser was one of many church leaders that stood beside Democrats at the State Capitol Tuesday morning. There, they introduced the bill that would protect immigrants who go to places like churches, schools, or hospitals from being detained solely based on their immigration status.

Under the proposed bill, law enforcement at the state and federal level would need a judicial warrant to get access to such places to detain an individual.

“It simply enforces that officials follow the proper procedures of securing a judicial warrant before attempting to enter any of these sacred and sensitive places,” said President of Forward Latino, Darrlyn Morin.

Democrats say the bill applies to all civilians and their constitutional right to protect against unlawful searches unless there’s a judicial warrant.

“Chaos is not a safety solution. Hate is not a policy, and fear is not safety,” said Representative of the 76th District Francesca Hong.

“Kids deserve to feel safe in school. People deserve to seek medical care without fear of separation or detainment," said Representative of Wisconsin 8th District in Milwaukee Sylvia Ortiz-Vele.

If churches aren’t considered safe, Rev. Grieser worries about vulnerable people in the community.

"What we see already, I think, is that people who are fearful and worried about their situation are probably going to be less likely to reach out for help," said Rev. Gieser.

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told News 3 Now last week that Republicans would be writing legislation that would force law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officials.

If Republican legislation like this is put forward, Governor Evers is almost certain to veto it.

[ridesthemiles]

DON’T LOOK NOW, BUT TRUMP HAS ALREADY DECLARED SCHOOLS & CHURCHES CAN BE RAIDED TO FIND INVADERS.

IF THIS AS EXAMPLE OF “RELIGION”-—I am a HARD NO

[packrat35]

The Feds don’t have to follow this rule, so what’s the point?

[packrat35]

This mindset is why I no longer attend church. Satan has taken over the church’s now.