Wisconsin Democratic Governor Tony Evers told UPFRONT | WISN 12 News that his state’s economy would “implode overnight” if immigrants were deported, emphasizing their crucial role in agriculture and manufacturing. “They’re the ones that, that milk our cows. They’re the ones that work in our pro- uh, the, the factories. If they go after those folks, our economy will implode overnight,” Evers said during an interview following his final State of the State address.
Yet again, @GovEvers is claiming Wisconsin would “implode overnight” without illegal aliens.
— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) February 23, 2026
Imagine if Democrat leaders defended American jobs and American workers as fiercely as they defend cheap illegal labor. pic.twitter.com/DRwgAZyR7i
The governor framed immigration enforcement as a direct economic concern, arguing that Wisconsin relies heavily on immigrant labor to maintain its farms and factories. Republican critics, including Rep. Tom Tiffany, countered that Evers’ statements are misleading and undercut American workers, calling the notion that the state would “destroy itself economically” without illegal aliens a “ridiculous lie” (Source: X/Twitter).
🚨This week, @GovEvers said Wisconsin would be “destroyed economically” if illegal aliens are deported and argued federal immigration enforcement isn’t needed.
— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) January 14, 2026
This is a ridiculous lie, and it undercuts every Wisconsin worker who follows the law and keeps our state running. pic.twitter.com/7w1mqC07Vn
Speaking hours after delivering his last State of the State address, Evers reflected on his tenure and the intensity of preparing the annual speech. He acknowledged the bipartisan challenges in Wisconsin’s legislature and urged lawmakers to focus on school funding and sustainable property tax relief rather than temporary rebate checks.
“We need more, more money for schools. There’s no question about that,” Evers said, referring to proposals for equalization aid. On rebate checks proposed by Republicans, he dismissed them as a short-term solution. “It’s like buying, buying votes. We need to get it into the system…so that we don’t have to raise property tax or go to referendum,” he added.
Evers directly addressed federal immigration enforcement, arguing that targeting immigrants who work in everyday industries would severely disrupt Wisconsin’s economy. He cited examples from Minnesota, where aggressive local enforcement had tragic outcomes, and warned against broad deportation efforts. “If you’re talking about the people that day-to-day work is milking cows or working in a pro- production…they shouldn’t even be part of the conversation,” he said.
Republican critics argue that limiting cooperation with federal authorities could create a de facto sanctuary environment in Wisconsin, potentially undermining public safety. Tiffany further stated that if Democrats block ICE detainers, it could prevent the removal of individuals arrested for violent crimes.
Evers suggested that local sheriffs should focus on individuals who have committed serious crimes rather than the broader immigrant workforce. “The theory of action has been, when you listen to Trump’s people, is that they’re going after people that have had significant problems with the law…not just a traffic ticket,” Evers said.
As Evers concludes his final year in office, he remains vocal on issues ranging from school funding and tax policy to immigration enforcement, framing these policies as essential for maintaining the state’s economy and social infrastructure. His comments are likely to shape debate in Wisconsin as candidates prepare for the upcoming elections.







