Assembly Republicans Pass Fear Inducing Anti-Immigrant Bill

February 16, 2016

MADISON –Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) released the following statement in response to passage by the State Assembly of AB 450, which would undermine local authority to pass and implement ordinances, resolutions, or policies that define when and if law enforcement officers may inquire about an individual’s immigration status.

“This bill is a mean spirited attack by Republicans on our immigrant communities that does nothing but incite fear among those already most likely not to trust law enforcement. Republicans are trying to undo years of work to build trust between immigrants and local law enforcement. This trust is vital to ensure that undocumented immigrants who are victims or witnesses can report crimes without fear of deportation. To be clear, Republicans are undermining public safety by inciting fear and undercutting the ability of our local law enforcement to build trust with immigrant communities.”