Wisconsin Democrats plan to debate multiple resolutions that call for a number of progressive policies during their annual convention in Madison this weekend. JR Ross of WisPolitics first reported on the draft resolutions the state Democratic Party shared ahead of the gathering.
The proposals include two separate measures to support abolishing the federal immigration enforcement agency. Democrats have criticized the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and called for stricter limits on how officers carry out their duties.
One resolution claims the federal government created ICE out of fear and racism. It accuses the Trump administration of turning the agency into a tool of authoritarianism and alleges that reckless enforcement has caused deportations, deaths and family separations. A second resolution calls for an end to mass deportations and private immigration detention centers. It supports investigations and prosecutions for alleged human rights violations. Another measure will be considered that would back state legislation to limit cooperation with ICE and challenge the agency’s authority to operate without state and local consent.
State Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming said the resolutions leave no doubt about where Democrats stand.
“They continue to move further to the left, following the lead of Mandela Barnes and Francesca Hong,” Schimming said. “They want to endanger Wisconsin citizens by abolishing ICE and making our streets less safe.”
The committee rejected a separate resolution that would have supported ICE and Customs and Border Protection. Officials said it conflicted with the abolition proposals. The rejected measure criticized aggressive and militarized tactics and called for repeal of the Laken Riley Act.
Democrats also pushed for new accountability rules in immigration enforcement. These include requirements for judicial warrants, unmasked officers who must identify themselves and bans on entering certain public spaces.
The convention agenda will also include resolutions that seek to protect transgender individuals. One resolution affirms that transgender women are women and transgender men are men. Another supports protecting access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Regarding technology and development, the committee recommended creating AI regulations and an enforcement agency to provide oversight. Further resolutions would prohibit law enforcement from using surveillance, AI and biometric technology such as facial recognition without consent. They would also require data centers to complete environmental impact reviews, meet water usage standards and generate electricity on site with at least 70 percent from renewable sources.
Other recommended resolutions oppose undue influence and intimidation to control media, broadcasting and entertainment industries. They support ranked-choice voting in Wisconsin, expansion of the U.S. Supreme Court and abolishment of the state’s private school voucher program.
The Democrat convention is June 13 and 14 in Madison.
