Representative Ryan Clancy Joins Democratic Caucus in Rejecting Mandatory Police Collaboration with ICE

MADISON, Wis. – Today, Legislative Republicans passed a bill that, if signed, would mandate local law enforcement in Wisconsin collaborate with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (“ICE”) to detain undocumented people charged with at least one crime. The Democratic caucus and Rep. Clancy (D-19) stood against AB 24, rejecting it as policy and as an explicit threat to defund county governments for failing to comply.

Also, for the second time in a week, Rep. Clancy corrected Legislative Republicans on their apparent confusion between being charged with a crime and being convicted of a crime.

Rep. Clancy issued the following statement:

“Today, I’m not voting against AB 24 because it jeopardizes local control, although that’s true.

I’m not voting against it because it would strain jails already bursting at the seams or because it’s unconstitutional to hold someone for longer than is necessary.

I’m not voting against this because it’s opposed by so many sheriffs and counties across Wisconsin, and because 44 sheriffs in Wisconsin already refuse to participate in SCAAP because it’s too extreme, and because selling out our neighbors like this is a line even they refuse to cross.

I’m voting against AB 24 because it’s wrong. This proposal will rip people from our communities and families based on the mere accusation of a crime. I’m voting against it because our Republican colleagues’ eagerness to make themselves tools in Trump’s attacks on immigrants, refugees, visitors and those who oppose him is vile.

I’m grateful that, on this side of the aisle, we’re in unity against this. Because Trump and his inhuman and increasingly unpopular agenda won’t be here in four years, but the shame of ‘yes’ votes like these will endure far longer.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.