Here & Now

Wisconsin Immigrant Communities Concerned by Proposed Bill

Frederica Freyberg:

Now for an update from the state capitol. On Wednesday, hundreds of immigrant supporters from around the state protested in Madison over a proposed bill that would have local law enforcement act like immigration agents. Under the Republican measure, municipalities could face some loss of shared revenue payments for failing to comply. Protestors fear this will lead to immigrants being harassed and deported as well as being too afraid to report crimes to police. In Washington, the House voted Thursday to crack down on so-called sanctuary cities by withholding federal funds. House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Paul Ryan:

By flagrantly disregarding the rule of law, sanctuary cities are putting lives at risk and we cannot tolerate that. Every day Secretary Kelly leads professionals around the country and around the world quite frankly, who are charged with keeping our homeland safe. They make incredible sacrifices. Our job here is to make sure that those professionals have the tools that they need and resources they need to carry out their work and to protect our communities.

Frederica Freyberg:

That was Speaker Ryan on Thursday.