In a bold and principled statement that underscores the rising tension between state leadership and the Trump administration, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers forcefully responded to recent threats made by former President Donald Trump’s border czar. The controversy stems from Governor Evers’ decision to issue straightforward legal guidance to state employees—an action that has now drawn political fire and threats of arrest from federal officials.
At the heart of the issue is a standard advisory sent to Wisconsin state employees, outlining how to respond if approached by federal immigration agents. The guidance instructs employees to remain calm, request identification and badge numbers from agents, contact legal counsel, and avoid answering questions or releasing information without attorney involvement. It also emphasizes that no state employee may share sensitive data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other federal agency without a valid judicial warrant and authorization from legal counsel.
Governor Evers explained the rationale for this guidance in a statewide address:
“The goal was simple—ensure every state employee understands their rights and responsibilities under the law and that they have access to legal advice to remain fully compliant with both federal and state regulations. Nothing more, nothing less.”
NEW: When asked about Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers telling state officials not to cooperate with ICE, Border Czar Tom Homan seems to signal arrests could be imminent:
However, right-wing political figures, including prominent Republicans and billionaire Elon Musk, quickly seized on the advisory, mischaracterizing it as obstructionist or illegal. In a disturbing escalation, one member of the Wisconsin State Assembly even circulated an AI-generated image of Governor Evers in handcuffs, accompanied by a uniformed Donald Trump—an inflammatory and entirely fictitious depiction.
During his address, Governor Evers did not hold back:
“I’m used to Republicans and the right-wing media lying about me. That’s part of the job. But this time, these lies have real consequences. I have not broken any laws. I have not committed a crime. And I have never directed anyone to violate the law.”
The threats became more tangible when Trump’s former acting director of ICE, Tom Homan, responded to media questions about Evers’ advisory with the ominous phrase: “Wait ‘til you see what’s coming.” Soon after, right-wing lawmakers called on the Trump-aligned federal government to arrest Governor Evers.
Evers called these developments “chilling” and warned that they represent a dangerous drift toward authoritarianism:
“We now have a federal government willing to threaten and potentially arrest elected officials—or even everyday American citizens—who have broken no laws and committed no wrongdoing. This should deeply concern every Wisconsinite and every American who cherishes the principles this country was founded on.”
These remarks follow another recent flashpoint: the arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan on questionable obstruction charges after she was accused of helping an undocumented immigrant avoid federal detention. Judge Dugan’s legal team has vigorously denied the allegations and vowed to clear her name in court.
Governor Evers was clear: he will not be intimidated.
“I may be disgusted by the actions of Trump and his allies, but I am not afraid. I took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of Wisconsin, and I will never waver in that duty.”
He closed his address with a message of strength and unity:
“We are a nation of laws, not of intimidation or political retribution. This country cannot and must not become a place where the federal government is used as a weapon against those who dissent. I will continue to do what is right—for Wisconsin, and for democracy.”
