Trump Criticizes Governor Hochul Over Immigration Policies

Former President Donald Trump has taken aim at New York Governor Kathy Hochul regarding her approach to immigration enforcement, particularly after over 2,000 illegal immigrants were arrested. Trump accused Hochul of allowing these individuals to return to the streets, which he sees as a failure. In related news, 15 local sheriffs in New York are pursuing legal action against the governor due to a state law that prohibits partnerships with ICE.

Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin expressed his commitment on Wednesday to enforce collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. This was in stark contrast to his opponent, Democrat David Crowley, as they debated immigration policies influenced by Trump’s administration.

Tiffany argued that Wisconsin law enforcement should be obligated to comply with federal immigration detainers. He emphasized that working with ICE enables authorities to deport illegal immigrants who have been charged with crimes while still in local custody. “I will ensure local, county, and state law enforcement coordinate with federal law enforcement,” he stated during a debate hosted by WISN-TV.

When questioned if he would make this cooperation a legal requirement, Tiffany affirmed, “Yes, I believe we should. They should honor detainers.”

In response, Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive and Democrat, made it clear that he would not endorse a blanket prohibition on working with federal immigration enforcement. While he acknowledges that immigrants found guilty of crimes should face deportation, he also advocated for limitations on ICE activities. These include banning local law enforcement from entering contracts with ICE and requiring judicial warrants for ICE to access jails and prisons, as well as restricting the use of disguise by ICE agents. “We need to ensure we’re protecting people’s civil liberties,” Crowley remarked.

Throughout Wisconsin, immigration enforcement has increasingly become a focal issue, especially as ICE arrests jumped this summer amid the Trump administration’s broader deportation efforts.

The intersection of local law enforcement policies with federal immigration initiatives has placed sheriffs and police departments at the heart of a nationwide debate on how much local authorities should cooperate with federal agents in regard to deportation strategies.

This ongoing discussion is visibly unfolding across Wisconsin, with 20 county law enforcement agencies actively participating in ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows designated officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement responsibilities. The question of cooperation with ICE is also becoming significant in sheriff races, particularly in Sauk and Winnebago counties as the November elections approach.

With the Trump administration back in office, federal immigration enforcement has seen a notable rise in Wisconsin. Recent federal statistics revealed that more than 2,100 people were detained by ICE in the state between January 2025 and the latest reporting period, indicating a considerable intensification of immigration actions.

The topic remains a contentious one for both major parties as they head toward the midterm elections. Republicans are continuing to focus their campaigns on border security and immigration enforcement, while Democrats are raising concerns about the Trump administration’s deportation policies and the treatment of immigrants by ICE.