This letter to the editor, by John Krizek, appeared in the Hudson Star Observer on September 19, 2024.

Most of us have heard that Trump proposes, if elected, to round up and deport 11 million undocumented immigrants. This would hurt every corner of Wisconsin, including St. Croix County. Just consider:

Logistics and Costs: Locating, detaining, and deporting so many people would be much more than the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) could handle. The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are 70,000 undocumented immigrants living in Wisconsin. State and local law enforcement involvement would be necessary. Having been a St. Croix County manager, I know local resources already are stretched to the limits. County jails would be in crisis, and higher property taxes would be required to cover the costs.

Economic Impact: Mass deportation would have significant local economic consequences. Most undocumented immigrants working in Wisconsin are employed in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture industries. The 2023 UW-Madison Dairy Workers Study found that Wisconsin dairy workers are predominantly immigrants from Latin America who more than likely have an unauthorized immigration status. Removing such a large labor force would lead to labor shortages, higher prices, and a potential recession. 

Constitutional and Legal Challenges: Courts likely would slow or block mass detention and deportation efforts. Many immigrants have legal due process rights that would prevent immediate deportations. Some immigrants would qualify for legal asylum in the US. Families could raise legal objections to being torn apart. Immigrants may be married to US citizens, or may have minor US-born children who are citizens, or may have children who are protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Voces de la Frontera Action estimates 28,000 families in Wisconsin have mixed-immigration status.

Public and Political Resistance: Mass detention and deportations would be opposed by immigrant advocacy groups, businesses, and even some political leaders. Public opinion on immigration is divided, but mass detentions and deportations likely would cause protests and civil unrest.

International Relations: Mass deportations would affect diplomatic and trade relationships worldwide. It would especially damage relations with countries immigrants left if those countries will not allow their return. 

Reject this chaotic and impossible Trump proposal. Vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.