Wisconsin Republicans Once Again Target Sanctuary Cities

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican proposal targeting sanctuary cities that offer protections for immigrants living in Wisconsin illegally is back in the state Legislature.

A similar proposal failed to get enough support to pass last year following an outpouring of opposition.

The new bill being circulated this week for co-sponsors is more limited than the previous version but still attempts to force local governments into complying with federal immigration laws.

The proposal pits law-and-order Republicans against the immigrant community and local officials in the state's largest cities that have declared themselves to be safe havens for immigrants.

President Donald Trump in January signed an executive order to withdraw funding from sanctuary cities that decline to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The Wisconsin bill is sponsored by Republican Sen. Steve Nass and Rep. John Spiros.