By Kim McDarison

A Delafield-based conservative think tank has released a 57-page Whitewater immigration report, which, it notes within its report, is based in part on some 400 records it received from Whitewater Police Chief Dan Meyer after “submitting a series of public records requests.”

According to the report, the police chief “fully complied with the request and provided over 400 records, all of which establish the impact to the small Wisconsin city by the influx of migrants.”

The report, released to WhitewaterWise by its author, the Institute for Reforming Government (IRG), offers its conclusion as it relates to the national immigration system, citing its view of a need for federal repairs. The report points to Whitewater as an example of a small community which has “attempted to balance maintaining an objective posture on a highly charged public policy debate …”

Offering some information about the political nonprofit, the organization describes itself as a partner of IRG Action Fund,” which, it notes, is “focused on developing free-market and limited government reforms, taking action on them, and getting results for Wisconsin.” In addition, the report states: “Most importantly, IRG gets results for the conservative movement in Wisconsin.”

The report, titled: “Immigration crisis in Wisconsin,” begins by summarizing the reported influx of immigrants to Whitewater between 2022 and 2023, noting that the city estimated some 1,000 migrants from Central America arrived into the college town with a population of approximately 15,000.

The report included a quote which it credited to Meyer, found in an email to “a Walworth County official” the report stated, identifying Nicaraguan migrants which had moved into the area, and had “found jobs at larger businesses in our area.” According to the report, Meyer additionally noted in his email that his department had had “a number of criminal investigations involving some of these individuals and we’ve also had children from some of these families within the school district who have been reported truant.”

The report noted that the city was struggling to “deal with the increased strain on law enforcement resources, housing overcapacity, and the challenges associated with educating children with no formal background in schooling and often lacking basic English skills.”

Last December, the report continued, the police chief sent a letter to the White House, during which he asked federal lawmakers for assistance through funding.

The letter garnered much attention from members of “Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation and the Wisconsin Legislature,” as well as local, state and national media, the report noted. 

The report’s ‘key points’

Among its “key points,” the report asserts that “unlike ‘sanctuary cities,’ it does not appear the city of Whitewater sought the immigrants. Instead, the city’s ‘theory’ explaining the sudden influx revolves around a complex web of ample student housing following Covid, a need for farm and manufacturing labor, and the congregation of sponsor families in and around the city that were then identified by migrants at the border.”

Also asserted as “due to the rapid increase in population,” the report states that the housing market in the city has been unable to accommodate the influx of migrants.

The report does not include as a part of its analysis the housing shortage that has been identified in recent years throughout Wisconsin, with focus on southeastern Wisconsin, including Whitewater.

An earlier story about southeastern Wisconsin and Whitewater’s housing shortage is here: https://whitewaterwise.com/whitewater-business-roundtable-sewrpc-presenter-says-affordable-housing-likely-comes-through-smaller-lot-sizes-homes/. 

The report states that city officials “were made aware of deplorable living conditions, including children sleeping in sheds during sub-zero temperatures, children left at home unattended while parents worked,” and small apartment units housing eight to 10 individuals.

Additionally, the report alleges, “the paring of non family members has resulted in allegations of sexual assault and other acts against victims.”

The report cites financial strains placed upon the Whitewater Unified School District “associated with students (who) do not speak English,” and who have “no familiarity with U.S. educational standards.”

Further the report alleges: “school resource officers have spent considerable time locating students that either are uninterested in attending and are not being encouraged by working parents to do so or don’t have transportation options.”

The report states: “Because of the focus on the unique law enforcement challenges associated with the migrant population, such as violations for driving without a license, the police department has identified a significant decrease in proactive policing. The issuance of violations for speeding and driving while intoxicated have decreased.”

Further, the report notes, “ In light of questions related to the legal status of migrants, questions have been raised regarding how individuals should be identified. In particular, the city appears unsure how migrants can obtain identification cards. Some members of the community have suggested paths for migrants to obtain driver’s licenses. It remains unclear how that is being accomplished under Wisconsin law.” 

Earlier stories in which Whitewater Police Chief Dan Meyer outlined policing concerns are here: https://whitewaterwise.com/part-2-statewide-policing-trends-show-low-number-of-applicants-higher-crime-whitewater-chief-weighs-in/, and here: https://whitewaterwise.com/whitewater-police-chief-city-manger-say-city-is-safe-discuss-the-departments-condition-future/. 

Earlier stories about state- and national-level officials arriving in Whitewater to discuss immigration reform are here: https://whitewaterwise.com/johnson-steil-meet-in-whitewater-with-law-enforcement-officials-policing-challenges-discussed/ here: https://whitewaterwise.com/evers-whitewater-city-officials-meet-to-discuss-immigration-law-enforcement-services/ and here: https://whitewaterwise.com/city-manager-to-council-on-biden-letter-staff-has-received-a-significant-amount-of-correspondence-from-various-sources-including-offices-of-baldwin-steil-schutt/.    

An earlier story during which school district officials outlined a need for an operational referendum to fund a four-year period, beginning with the 2023-24 school year, which was approved by the district’s voters in November of 2022, is here: https://whitewaterwise.com/council-receives-referendum-presentation-from-school-district/. 

An earlier story about the Whitewater Common Council’s discussion about writing a letter to President Joe Biden, and its approval of a draft letter submitted by the police chief is here: https://whitewaterwise.com/council-approves-letter-to-president-joe-biden-describing-immigration-related-challenges-facing-local-law-enforcement/. 

City manager weighs in

In response to the report, Whitewater City Manager John Weidl noted within a letter to the Whitewater City Council that the report was available and circulating in the media.

In his letter, Weidl wrote: “I am forwarding you a recent study conducted by the Institute for Reforming Government titled “Immigration Crisis in Wisconsin.” This study, which has been circulating in national media, examines the challenges faced by Whitewater due to the recent influx of migrants. Attached, you will find a detailed memo to you and the community summarizing the study’s findings and highlighting the city’s efforts, particularly those led by Chief Meyer, to address these challenges. It is essential that we stay informed and prepared to respond to any public inquiries regarding this report. Your support and understanding are crucial as we continue to provide high-quality services to our diverse community.”

In a memo outlining the study’s findings, Weidl wrote: “It is important to note that the city of Whitewater did not commission this study, and its findings are based on the IRG’s methodology, which includes public records requests without direct interviews with city staff.”

Weidl next summarized the report as follows:

•  Increased criminal activities and resource strains: The study mentions difficulties in managing undocumented felon detainees and increased demands for public education on legal standards (pp. 12-13). Language barriers necessitating costly translation services and officer training were also highlighted (p. 6).

• Living Conditions and Housing: The study describes overcrowded and unsafe living conditions, including instances of children living in sheds during winter. The city previously struggled to enforce overoccupancy ordinances and provide adequate housing accommodations (pp. 14-16). Examples of living conditions include families living in sheds without heat or running water and apartments housing 8-10 individuals, leading to issues such as sexual assaults and other crimes (pp. 14-16).

• Educational Strain: Schools are reported to be challenged by the growing number of non-English-speaking students and higher truancy rates among migrant children. There is a noted strain on school resources due to the need for additional support for multilingual learners (p. 19). The Superintendent highlighted that the district had a total of 415 Multilingual students (MLs), including 9 different languages, with a significant number of new arrivals being from Central America (p. 22).

• Community and Health Services: Health departments face difficulties enrolling migrants into programs due to lack of documentation. Essential collaborations with local non-profits to provide basic needs such as medical care and housing were emphasized (p. 21). Examples include local non- profits providing medical care, clothing, and housing to migrant residents, illustrating the collaborative efforts required to address the needs of the new population (pp. 21-22).

• Legislative and Policy Responses: Efforts to secure additional federal and state funding are ongoing. State legislators acknowledge the issue but face challenges in providing sufficient resources (pp. 7- 8). Specific legislative efforts included proposals to ensure that any contact regarding refugee resettlement is publicly communicated to local officials and citizens, highlighting the need for transparency and coordination (pp. 7-8).

Additionally, Weidl, while parsing the study, cited his conclusion from within the study that Meyer’s efforts to remain apolitical while addressing immigration challenges were identified.

The city manager wrote: “Chief Meyer has been recognized for his apolitical and effective approach in managing the challenges brought about by the recent influx of migrants in Whitewater. The study underscores several key initiatives led by Chief Meyer, showcasing his dedication to public safety and community support.”

Weidl, citing the report, enumerated the following:

• Proactive Communication with Government Entities: Chief Meyer has been instrumental in communicating the needs and challenges faced by the Whitewater Police Department (WPD) to state and federal authorities. Notably, he outlines challenges such as communication barriers, housing issues, and the strain on law enforcement resources (pp. 6, 16). This proactive stance has ensured that higher authorities are aware of the local impacts of state and national immigration policies.

• Community Engagement and Support Initiatives: Demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity and support, Chief Meyer has spearheaded multiple initiatives to engage with the community. These include the creation of a Helpful Tips document for residents in both English and Spanish and the implementation of the Propio app for interpretation needs, effectively overcoming communication barriers (pp. 42-43). Additionally, Chief Meyer participated in events to educate migrants on local laws and available resources, ensuring that new residents are well-informed and integrated into the community.

• Advocacy for Additional Resources and Policy Changes: Chief Meyer has consistently advocated for additional resources and policy changes to bolster law enforcement and community services. His efforts include exploring the creation of an immigration liaison position and participating in meetings with Governor Evers and his staff to discuss the city’s needs (pp. 13, 17, 43). Through these actions, Chief Meyer has shown his dedication to securing the necessary support for the city to continue providing high-quality public safety services amidst increasing demands.

• The IRG study highlights Chief Meyer’s role as an effective leader who navigates the complex landscape of immigration challenges with a clear focus on the well-being of the entire community. His non-partisan approach and tireless advocacy have been crucial in addressing the needs of both long-term residents and new arrivals, reinforcing his reputation as a capable and dedicated public servant.

• Relevance to Elected Officials: As elected officials, it is important for you to be aware of this study as it may be referenced in public discourse and by media outlets. An example of the study’s national circulation is an article on MSN titled “Gangs, Crime, Terrible Living Conditions Included in New Look into Whitewater’s Immigration Problems.” While we did not commission this study, its presence in the public domain means we must be prepared to address its findings and implications.

• City’s Commitment to Quality Services: Regardless of the findings presented in this external study, it remains our mission to provide efficient and high-quality services that support living, learning, playing, and working in our exceptional community. Our vision statement emphasizes embracing cultural and educational opportunities that our increasingly diverse population offers. We are committed to fostering public trust and confidence in our government, maintaining a spirit of openness and fairness, and ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.

Within the memo, Weidl offered his own key points for consideration, listing the following: 

• Our Commitment to Maintain Impartiality: The study mentions that the city has made data-driven decisions to address the influx of migrants, focusing on providing high-quality services to all residents. For example, the detailed reporting on law enforcement and educational challenges highlights the city’s efforts to manage these issues based on data and factual analysis (pp. 12-13, 19).

• Policy Advocacy: The study documents the city’s engagement with state and federal legislators to secure additional resources and support. It includes communications from city officials to legislators emphasizing the need for policies and financing that support municipalities dealing with large migrant populations (pp. 7-8, 12-13).

• Community Relations: The study highlights the city’s efforts to foster positive relations within the community through collaborations with local non-profits and health services. These collaborations are crucial in providing necessary support and services to the new migrant population, illustrating the city’s commitment to inclusivity and community well-being (pp. 21-22). Examples include local non-profits providing medical care, clothing, and housing to migrant residents, demonstrating the active approach to community support (pp. 21-22).

The full IRG study is here: http://whitewaterwise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/June-2024-Immigration-Crisis-in-Wisconsin1.pdf. 

The IRG website is here: https://reforminggovernment.org/.