MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin State Legislature met in joint session for the 2025 State of the Tribes Address, presented this year by Thomas Fowler, Chairman of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Tribal Council. Following the address, the Assembly convened its regular floor session, in which it approved several proposals recommended by the Joint Legislative Council’s Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations. These included Assembly Bill 98, which allows students to wear traditional tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies and other school events.
The Assembly also passed Assembly Bill 24, which requires Wisconsin sheriffs to work more closely with the US Department of Homeland Security to identify and detain illegal immigrants in their custody.
AB 24 requires sheriffs to request proof of legal presence from jail inmates accused of felonies and to notify DHS if they are unable to verify an individual’s legal status.
AB 24 (as amended) also requires sheriffs to comply with DHS-issued detainers and administrative warrants for inmates accused of felonies.
If a sheriff fails to comply with these requirements, the state will cut the county’s shared revenue payment by 15 percent.
“I voted for Assembly Bill 24 because while most Wisconsin sheriffs do take their jobs seriously, a few don’t seem to care whether alleged felons in their custody should even be here in the first place,” State Rep. Dave Armstrong (R-Rice Lake) said. “It’s like pulling teeth to get some of them to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. That’s unacceptable, and it’s sad that legislation like this is necessary to keep our communities safe.”
Assembly Bill 24 will now go to the Senate for further consideration.
Last Update: Mar 19, 2025 6:47 am CDT
