United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issues detainer requests to jails across Wisconsin including the Brown County Jail. These requests ask that certain individuals be held past their lawful release date. These individuals are then transferred to federal immigration authorities. 

At present, the Sheriff’s Department is not providing regular, open reports on its cooperation with ICE, including activity related to detainer requests. There is no public evidence that this information is being openly offered.

We, the undersigned residents of Brown County, strongly urge the Brown County Board of Supervisors to direct the Sheriff to include ICE-related information in his monthly reports to the County Board’s Public Safety Committee. At a minimum, these reports should include:           

·         How many people were detained per ICE immigration requests, and how many were held for traffic/misdemeanor vs. felony charges?

·         The length of time individuals are held in custody in relation to these requests, including the number of individuals held beyond their lawful release date.

·         The financial costs to the County associated with this cooperation, including extended detention costs, training expenses, staff time, and administrative resources.

·         The status of ICE payments to Brown County; including payments that are past due, reimbursements and other forms of compensation such as equipment received.

·         The status of current and potential future agreements related to immigration enforcement, including participation in 287(g) programs.

Transparent government is strong government. Regular public reporting of this information will allow you, our Brown County Supervisors, to address community concerns and manage this complicated issue. 

Statement of Principles

The Migration Advocacy Network of Brown County, Wisconsin is a coalition of concerned citizens working to provide support for immigrants and refugees in our community. We are committed to protecting the dignity, rights, and well-being of our neighbors and affirm that the public has a right to clear information about how local policies are carried out and what impact they have on the people they affect.