(MILWAUKEE) One of the seven Democrats running for Wisconsin governor says she would not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement if elected.
“I think ICE, as it has formed under (President Donald) Trump, is incompatible with a free society,” said state Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) in an interview with 620 WTMJ.
She said as a lawyer, she supports the rule of law. She said the United States can secure its borders and enforce immigration laws without violating the Constitution.
“Nobody in this state is above the law. Not me, not you, and not anybody. Even if Donald Trump tells them that they are. So if you’re going to come into our state, and especially if you have a badge and a gun, and you think you’re going to beat people up or destroy their property or break into their homes or cars without consequence, you’re dead wrong.”
When healthcare coverage for Milwaukee County employees recently lapsed, Roys said it served as an example of how Wisconsin workers would be better served by opening the Wisconsin state health insurance plan to anyone who wants to buy in. She also said for many years she was the only Democrat to put their name on a bill to support letting advanced practice registered nurses practice to the full extent of their training.
“Now this is really important in a state like Wisconsin, which has a lot of rural areas and has a healthcare provider shortage. It’s also important for communities like Milwaukee that have big health disparities.”
The Democratic primary is Aug. 11, roughly six months from now. Roys ranked seventh in fundraising at the end of last year, according to the most recent public campaign finance filings, often used as a measure of candidates’ viability. Roys said she was not concerned, and that Governor Evers and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin would raise enough money to help the nominee win in November.
