Key Takeaways
• DHS labeled Milwaukee, Madison, Dane, and Shawano counties as sanctuary jurisdictions in May 2025.
• Wisconsin’s 2025-27 budget proposes restoring driver’s licenses and expanding services for undocumented immigrants.
• Safe haven legislation pending to limit immigration enforcement in schools, hospitals, and churches.
As of July 2025, there have been several important updates affecting undocumented immigrants in Wisconsin, especially regarding the state’s relationship with federal immigration enforcement and the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies. While Wisconsin does not have a statewide sanctuary law, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified several local jurisdictions as sanctuary cities or counties. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, what actions may be required, and what these changes mean for pending applications and daily life for undocumented immigrants in Wisconsin.
Summary of Recent Changes
- DHS Sanctuary City Designations: In May 2025, the Department of Homeland Security published a list of over 500 sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States 🇺🇸. Four locations in Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Madison, Dane County, and Shawano County—were included. These areas are considered sanctuary cities or counties by DHS because they have policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Local Policy Adjustments: Some Wisconsin jurisdictions, such as Dane County, have announced plans to end participation in federal programs that support ICE detention, signaling a shift toward less cooperation with federal authorities.
- State Budget Proposals: The 2025-27 Wisconsin State Budget includes several proposals that, if passed, would expand rights and access to services for undocumented immigrants, including restoring driver’s licenses for all residents, increasing language access, and allowing DACA recipients to obtain professional licenses.
- Safe Haven Legislation: Lawmakers have introduced a bill to create “safe havens” in places like schools, churches, and hospitals, where immigration enforcement would be restricted. This is a response to federal policy changes that now allow ICE to conduct arrests in these locations.
Who Is Affected
- Undocumented Immigrants: The main group affected by these changes are the estimated 70,000 undocumented immigrants living in Wisconsin. Many work in key industries like agriculture and dairy farming.
- Local Governments: City and county officials in Milwaukee, Madison, Dane County, and Shawano County must respond to the DHS designation and adjust their policies as needed.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Police and sheriff’s departments in sanctuary jurisdictions are under federal scrutiny and may face pressure to change their cooperation with ICE.
- Students and Workers: Undocumented students and DACA recipients may benefit from proposed changes to tuition and professional licensing rules.
Effective Dates
- DHS Sanctuary City List: The updated list was published in May 2025 and is currently in effect.
- Local Policy Changes: Dane County’s decision to end participation in the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) was announced in January 2025 and is being implemented throughout the year.
- State Budget Proposals: The 2025-27 budget proposals are under consideration and could take effect as early as September 2025 if approved.
- Safe Haven Legislation: The bill is pending in the state legislature. If passed, it could become law later in 2025.
Required Actions
- For Undocumented Immigrants:
- Stay Informed: Monitor local government websites and trusted advocacy organizations for updates on driver’s license eligibility, safe haven protections, and changes in law enforcement practices.
- Know Your Rights: Understand your constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and protection from illegal searches, regardless of immigration status.
- Seek Legal Help: If you are affected by ICE enforcement or have questions about your status, contact organizations like the ACLU of Wisconsin or Voces de la Frontera for support.
- For Local Governments:
- Review Policies: Ensure that local policies comply with both state and federal law, and communicate clearly with residents about any changes.
- Prepare for Federal Scrutiny: Jurisdictions on the DHS list should be ready to respond to federal inquiries or funding threats.
- For Employers and Schools:
- Support Employees and Students: Stay updated on changes to driver’s license rules and professional licensing for DACA recipients, and provide information to affected individuals.
Implications for Pending Applications and Daily Life
- Driver’s Licenses: Currently, undocumented immigrants in Wisconsin cannot obtain driver’s licenses. If the state budget proposals pass, this could change, making it easier for undocumented residents to drive legally and reducing the risk of law enforcement encounters.
- Tuition and Professional Licensing: Proposed changes would allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition and DACA recipients to apply for professional licenses, opening up new educational and career opportunities.
- ICE Enforcement: The level of cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE varies by jurisdiction. In sanctuary cities like Milwaukee and Madison, police generally do not ask about immigration status during routine stops, but may cooperate with ICE in cases involving criminal suspects.
- Safe Haven Protections: If the safe haven bill passes, undocumented immigrants would have greater assurance that they can access schools, hospitals, and places of worship without fear of immigration enforcement.
Detailed Overview of Sanctuary City Status in Wisconsin
What Is a Sanctuary City?
A sanctuary city is a city or county that limits its cooperation with federal immigration authorities, especially when it comes to detaining or turning over undocumented immigrants to ICE. The Department of Homeland Security uses its own criteria to label jurisdictions as sanctuary cities, even if local officials do not use that term.
DHS Designations in Wisconsin
– Milwaukee: The city’s police department does not routinely ask about immigration status and focuses on community policing. The sheriff’s department may work with ICE in criminal cases but does not prioritize immigration enforcement.
– Madison: Similar to Milwaukee, Madison’s police do not inquire about immigration status during routine operations.
– Dane County: Announced plans to end participation in SCAAP, a federal program that reimburses local jails for detaining immigrants for ICE.
– Shawano County: Included on the DHS list, though local officials have expressed confusion about the designation.
Federal and Local Tensions
Local officials in these areas have raised concerns about the process and criteria used by DHS to label them as sanctuary jurisdictions. Some worry about the impact on federal funding and community trust, while others argue that local policies are designed to protect public safety and encourage cooperation with law enforcement.
Statewide Policies and Proposals
Historical Context
Wisconsin was declared a sanctuary state in 1986 by then-Governor Tony Earl, but this was mostly symbolic and did not result in statewide legal protections for undocumented immigrants.
2025-27 State Budget Proposals
The current budget proposals include several measures that would improve the lives of undocumented immigrants:
– Restoring Driver’s Licenses: Would allow all residents, regardless of immigration status, to apply for a driver’s license. This would help undocumented immigrants get to work, school, and medical appointments without fear of being stopped by police.
– Increasing Language Access: More funding for translation and interpretation services in government offices and schools.
– Tuition Equity: Would allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, making higher education more affordable.
– Professional Licenses for DACA Recipients: Would let DACA recipients apply for licenses in fields like nursing, teaching, and other professions.
Current Barriers
– No Driver’s Licenses: Without legal access to driver’s licenses, undocumented immigrants face daily risks and challenges, including limited job opportunities and fear of traffic stops.
– Patchwork Enforcement: Some counties still cooperate closely with ICE, while others have moved to limit or end these agreements.
Local Law Enforcement and ICE
Milwaukee and Dane County Policies
– Police Practices: Police in Milwaukee and Madison focus on local crime and do not routinely check immigration status. This helps build trust with immigrant communities.
– Sheriff’s Departments: May cooperate with ICE in cases involving criminal suspects, but do not prioritize immigration enforcement in routine stops.
Advocacy and Legal Protections
– ACLU of Wisconsin: Calls for an end to ICE agreements and urges local governments to require judicial warrants before honoring ICE detainer requests.
– Know Your Rights: All individuals, regardless of immigration status, have constitutional rights. This includes the right to remain silent and protection from illegal searches and seizures.
Safe Haven Policies and Federal Changes
Proposed Safe Haven Legislation
In early 2025, Wisconsin lawmakers introduced a bill to create safe havens in places like schools, churches, and hospitals. If passed, this law would restrict immigration enforcement actions in these locations, making it safer for undocumented immigrants to access essential services.
Federal Policy Shifts
– Biden Administration: Had restricted ICE enforcement in sensitive locations to encourage immigrants to use schools, hospitals, and places of worship without fear.
– Trump Administration: Reversed these protections, allowing ICE to conduct arrests in these locations. This prompted Wisconsin lawmakers to propose state-level safe haven protections.
Economic Contributions and Community Impact
Immigrant Population
– Size: Wisconsin is home to about 300,000 immigrants, including 70,000 undocumented residents.
– Economic Role: Undocumented immigrants are vital to the state’s economy, especially in agriculture and dairy farming. Over 10,000 undocumented workers make up about 70% of the labor force on dairy farms.
– Tax Contributions: Undocumented immigrants pay nearly $200 million in state and local taxes each year.
Practical Implications for Daily Life
- Mobility: Without driver’s licenses, undocumented immigrants face daily challenges getting to work, school, and medical appointments.
- Law Enforcement: The risk of being stopped by police is higher for those without a license, leading to fear and uncertainty.
- Access to Services: Safe haven policies and increased language access would help undocumented immigrants feel safer using schools, hospitals, and other essential services.
- Education and Work: Tuition equity and professional licensing for DACA recipients would open up new opportunities for undocumented students and workers.
Key Stakeholders and Their Positions
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: Strongly criticizes sanctuary jurisdictions, arguing they endanger public safety by protecting undocumented immigrants, especially those with criminal records.
- State Lawmakers: Some, like Senator Dora Drake, support immigrant protections and safe haven legislation to strengthen families and communities.
- ACLU of Wisconsin: Advocates for ending ICE collaboration and protecting immigrant rights.
- Local Officials: Responses are mixed, with some seeking clarity on federal designations and others defending local policies.
Future Outlook
- State Budget: If the 2025-27 proposals pass, undocumented immigrants could see major improvements in access to driver’s licenses, education, and professional opportunities.
- Safe Haven Bill: If enacted, would provide formal protections against immigration enforcement in sensitive locations.
- Federal Pressure: DHS monitoring and federal policy changes may continue to influence local cooperation with ICE.
- Advocacy: Community groups and advocacy organizations will likely keep pushing for expanded rights and protections.
Resources and Next Steps
- Stay Updated: Check the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the latest on driver’s license eligibility.
- Legal Support: Contact the ACLU of Wisconsin or Voces de la Frontera for legal help and advocacy.
- Know Your Rights: Review resources on your constitutional rights during law enforcement encounters.
- Monitor Legislation: Follow the progress of the safe haven bill and state budget proposals through local news and government websites.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation for undocumented immigrants in Wisconsin remains complex and subject to change. Local policies, state proposals, and federal actions all play a role in shaping daily life and long-term opportunities for immigrants. Staying informed and connected to trusted resources is the best way to understand your rights and options as these changes unfold.
Learn Today
Sanctuary City → A city or county limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement authorities.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, overseeing federal immigration enforcement policies.
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program protecting eligible undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Safe Haven → Locations like schools or hospitals where immigration enforcement is restricted by law.
SCAAP → State Criminal Alien Assistance Program reimbursing local jails for detaining immigrants for ICE.
This Article in a Nutshell
As of July 2025, Wisconsin’s sanctuary city designations impact over 70,000 undocumented immigrants. Proposed state policies aim to restore driver’s licenses, support DACA recipients, and create safe havens, reflecting shifting local and federal immigration enforcement dynamics in key jurisdictions like Milwaukee and Madison.
— By VisaVerge.com
