A County Board Supervisor and City of Madison Alder make a statement. Good to see their leadership on this.
Dane County Board Supervisor Dianne Hesselbein, and Madison City Council Alder Shiva Bidar Sielaff oppose Representative Don Pridemore’s Arizona-style immigration legislation.
The legislation introduced by State Representative. Don Pridemore of Hartford would force local law enforcement to ask those stopped for civil or criminal violations for proof of citizenship or legal immigration status. If the person does not provide identification, they can be detained for up to 48 hours until they provide proof that they are in the country legally. During that time, local law enforcement can only verify lawful presence with the authorization of federal officials.
The law would fine municipalities and counties $500 a day for not complying with this legislation.
“This legislation would encourage racial discrimination,” Hesselbein said. “Our deputies do an excellent job reaching out to the community. This is another way to create mistrust and fear in a population and increase unreported crimes.”
Alder Bidar Sielaff agrees: “Instead of focusing on issues that are under the purview of the Federal government, or using immigrants as a diversion tactic, our state legislature should focus on the real challenges facing our state such as job creation.”
Alder Bidar-Sielaff and Supervisor Hesselbein served on the Dane County Immigration Task Force last year. The Task Force provided a number recommendations designed to improve and clarify policies and practices followed by local governments and law enforcement.
