Brennan Vows to Hold ICE Accountable as Wisconsin Governor

Announces plan to create Wisconsin Accountability Commission to document ICE enforcement abuses

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor Joel Brennan announced his plan to create the Wisconsin Accountability Commission, which would collect, preserve, and review evidence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement abuses and activity in the state. Brennan said the commission would provide oversight and transparency around ICE operations that have included 'the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the separating of children from their parents and the rampant violence'.

Why it matters

Brennan's proposal aims to hold the federal immigration enforcement agency accountable amid concerns over its aggressive tactics and alleged civil rights violations in Wisconsin. The commission would serve as a formal statewide mechanism to document ICE activity and refer potential legal violations to authorities.

The details

The Wisconsin Accountability Commission would be established through an executive order from Brennan as governor. It would be authorized to collect and preserve video, photo, and testimonial evidence related to ICE enforcement abuses and operations; track patterns of enforcement activity and use of force; hold public meetings to gather testimony and input; issue public reports; and refer potential violations to state or federal authorities.

  • Brennan announced the plan on January 30, 2026.

The players

Joel Brennan

Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. Brennan is a former top appointed cabinet official in Wisconsin and a leader in Milwaukee's business and nonprofit community.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose administration oversaw aggressive immigration enforcement policies that Brennan is seeking to hold accountable.

Tom Tiffany

A Wisconsin politician who Brennan accused of not thinking the state 'needs or deserves' oversight of ICE operations.

Renee Good

A victim of alleged ICE enforcement abuses in Wisconsin that Brennan cited in announcing his plan.

Alex Pretti

Another victim of alleged ICE enforcement abuses in Wisconsin that Brennan cited in announcing his plan.

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What they’re saying

“The murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the separating of children from their parents and the rampant violence have shown us all how far Donald Trump and ICE will go. It must stop now.”

— Joel Brennan, Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin

“The Wisconsin Accountability Commission will document ICE operations and abuses and provide the oversight Trump and politicians like Tom Tiffany don't think we need or deserve.”

— Joel Brennan, Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin

“The rule of law is sacred and no one is above the law. Wisconsin will not let Trump and ICE violate our rights and undermine our values.”

— Joel Brennan, Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin

What’s next

If elected, Brennan would establish the Wisconsin Accountability Commission through an executive order as governor.

The takeaway

Brennan's proposal to create a state-level commission to document and oversee ICE enforcement in Wisconsin reflects growing concerns over the agency's tactics and a desire for greater accountability and transparency around its operations in the state.