“We now have a federal government that will threaten or arrest elected officials—or even everyday American citizens—who have adhered to the law, committed no crimes, and done nothing wrong.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers responded sharply on Friday when President Donald Trump’s border advisor hinted that the Democratic governor could face arrest for providing state employees with guidelines on handling encounters with federal immigration officials.
The instructions given were simple and straightforward, advising state employees to remain composed, request identification such as names and badges from the agents, seek legal advice, and refrain from answering questions or releasing any documents without legal representation.
“State employees are not to allow [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] or any other agent access to such data or information without approval from their legal counsel based on a valid court order,” the document stated.
In his address to the people of Wisconsin and the nation, Evers explained, “The purpose of this guidance was straightforward—to offer clear, consistent directions to state workers, ensuring they are equipped with legal support to adhere to both federal and state laws.”
“Yet, Republicans and their right-wing allies, including Elon Musk, have misrepresented this guidance, spreading false information, wrongly accusing me of actions I did not take, and igniting a baseless controversy,” Evers declared.
One Republican from the Wisconsin State Assembly shared an AI-generated image early Friday morning showing Evers in handcuffs at the state capitol, with Trump in a police uniform standing behind him.
“Lies from Republicans and the right wing are part of the job,” Evers stated on Friday. “However, this time, their falsehoods have come with consequences. I haven’t violated any laws. I haven’t committed any crimes. Nor have I ever encouraged or directed anyone to do so.”
“But when Tom Homan, President Trump’s appointed official, was questioned about me and these guidelines after he seemingly threatened to arrest elected officials nationwide, his response was, ‘Wait ’til you see what’s coming,'” Evers continued. “By nightfall, Republican legislators were urging the Trump administration to arrest me.”
Watch Homan’s discussion with reporters:
Days after this thinly veiled threat, FBI agents arrested Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction for allegedly assisting an undocumented immigrant in evading arrest by misleading federal authorities. Dugan’s legal representatives assert her innocence and anticipate her exoneration in court.
Evers labeled Homan’s threats as “chilling” and “concerning for every Wisconsinite and every American who values this nation and the principles we cherish.”
“These actions reflect a troubling direction for our country,” Evers added. “We now have a federal government that will threaten or arrest elected officials—or even everyday American citizens—who have adhered to the law, committed no crimes, and done nothing wrong.”
“And as revolting as I find the ongoing actions of the Trump administration, I am not intimidated,” he concluded. “I have never been deterred from doing what is right, and I will not start now.”
Watch Evers’ full remarks:
The complete transcript of Governor Evers’ speech is provided below:
Good morning, Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers here.
I am addressing you today not only as your governor but as a concerned American.
Yesterday, a Trump administration official, in not so many words, seemed to threaten my arrest for issuing guidelines that advised state agency employees to consult with an attorney if federal agents arrive at state facilities with legal documents.
The aim of this guidance was simple—to provide clear, consistent instructions to state employees and ensure they have legal assistance to comply with both federal and state laws. Nothing more, nothing less.
Yet, Republicans and their right-wing allies, including Elon Musk, distorted this guidance, spreading misinformation, falsely accusing me of things I didn’t do or say, and stirring up a groundless controversy of their own making.
I am accustomed to Republicans and the right wing fabricating stories about me. It comes with the territory. But this time, their fabrications came at a cost. I have not broken any laws. I have not committed any crimes. And I have never encouraged or instructed anyone to break any laws or commit any crimes.
Yet, when President Trump’s personally selected appointee, Tom Homan, was questioned about me and this guidance after he apparently threatened to arrest elected officials across the country, he ominously warned, “Wait ’til you see what’s coming.” Overnight, Republican legislators rallied behind him, urging the Trump administration to arrest me.
Alarming threats like these should concern every Wisconsinite and every American who values our country and the principles we hold dear.
This is the United States of America, folks. We are a nation of laws. Upholding the law matters. Following the law matters.
In our country, the federal government doesn’t have the authority to abuse its power to threaten everyday Americans. In our nation, the federal government doesn’t have the right to arrest citizens who have not committed a crime. In this land, we don’t threaten to persecute individuals simply because they are from a different political party.
These actions represent a disturbing trend in our nation. We now have a federal government that will threaten or arrest elected officials—or even everyday American citizens—who have adhered to the law, committed no crimes, and done nothing wrong.
And as much as I am appalled by the continued actions of the Trump administration, I am not frightened. I have never been swayed from doing what is right, and I will not start now.
I took an oath when I assumed this office to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Wisconsin, and to faithfully perform the duties of this office to the best of my ability. I will never deviate from that pledge.
I hope and pray every elected and appointed official in this country, including the President of the United States, will do the same.
Forward, and for Wisconsin, always.
Thank you.
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