ICYMI: Brennan proposes accountability commission for ICE actions

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Brennan is proposing to create a state commission that would collect footage of incidents involving federal immigration authorities”

Brennan: "It's another way to demonstrate that we are ready to hold ICE accountable for what happens in Wisconsin”

Milwaukee, Wis. — Democratic candidate for governor Joel Brennan outlined his plan to create a state commission empowered to hold ICE accountable for enforcement abuses. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on Brennan’s proposal that would “collect footage of incidents involving federal immigration authorities, like the shootings of two Minneapolis protesters by immigration agents in recent weeks.”

Brennan told the Journal Sentinel, "It's another way to demonstrate that we are ready to hold ICE accountable for what happens in Wisconsin.”

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Joel Brennan proposes accountability commission for ICE actions

Highlights:

• Democratic candidate for governor Joel Brennan is proposing to create a state commission that would collect footage of incidents involving federal immigration authorities, like the shootings of two Minneapolis protesters by immigration agents in recent weeks.

• Brennan told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he would create the panel, which he called the Wisconsin Accountability Commission, by executive action and seek to populate it with judges, retired law enforcement officials, and attorneys and nonprofit leaders who specialize in immigration issues.

• "It's another way to demonstrate that we are ready to hold ICE accountable for what happens in Wisconsin," Brennan said.

• Brennan said the commission would allow Wisconsinites to submit video recordings, photos, testimony and other material related to incidents like the recent confrontations with Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, which resulted in their deaths.

• “Many of the things that we see that are posted online have the danger of potentially not being preserved and people not being convinced or not assured that these things are ever going to see the light of day. So this would be a vehicle for the state to be a partner in ensuring that that happens. Because all of this is around accountability and the thing that sometimes is getting lost, it's often times getting lost now, is what the truth is," he said.

• “I think that where things have obviously gone awry in Minneapolis and what's happened in many cities around the country and why there is outrage in Wisconsin and all over the country is that these are not efforts that are directed at people who are engaged in illegal activity. There is blanket evidence of people being rounded up at churches, at schools, being yanked out of their vehicles, families that are being torn apart. And that is not a directed, specified, law enforcement effort, that is an occupation.”

About Joel Brennan
Joel Brennan is a Democratic candidate for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. As Wisconsin’s former top appointed cabinet official and a leader in Milwaukee’s business and nonprofit community, he has spent his career in public service working with government, community leaders, and businesses to strengthen communities, uphold democratic values, and ensure government works for the people it serves. Brennan is running for governor to provide accountable leadership and to ensure Wisconsin families have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. For more information, visit www.BrennanforWI.com.

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Joel Brennan Announces Wisconsin Accountability Commission to Document ICE Enforcement Abuses

Vows to Hold ICE Accountable as Governor

Milwaukee, Wis. - Democratic candidate for governor Joel Brennan today announced his plan to create the Wisconsin Accountability Commission to collect, preserve, and review evidence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement enforcement abuses and activity in Wisconsin.

“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," said Brennan. "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."

The Wisconsin Accountability Commission will serve as a formal, statewide mechanism to ensure that evidence gathered by the public is preserved, reviewed, and referred to law enforcement when necessary. As Governor, Joel would establish the commission through Executive Order and authorize

it to:

• Collect and preserve video, photo, and testimonial evidence related to ICE enforcement abuses and operations in Wisconsin;

• Track patterns of enforcement activity and use of force;

• Hold public meetings to share testimony and receive additional public input;

• Issue public reports to ensure transparency; and

• Refer potential violations of law or civil rights to appropriate state or federal authorities.

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

About Joel Brennan
Joel Brennan is a Democratic candidate for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. As Wisconsin’s former top appointed cabinet official and a leader in Milwaukee’s business and nonprofit community, he has spent his career in public service working with government, community leaders, and businesses to strengthen communities, uphold democratic values, and ensure government works for the people it serves. Brennan is running for governor to provide accountable leadership and to ensure Wisconsin families have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. For more information, visit www.BrennanforWI.com.

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Joel Brennan Statement on Tom Tiffany’s Refusal to Watch Minneapolis Video

Milwaukee, Wis. — Democratic candidate for Governor Joel Brennan today criticized Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany for his failure to act following the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend. Congressman Tiffany, who sits on the House Judiciary Committee, has publicly acknowledged that he has not reviewed available footage of the incident widely available to the American public.

“It says a lot about Tom Tiffany that he’s refused to watch what happened to Alex Pretti, and worse that he’s gone ahead and blamed everyone except the federal agents responsible,” said Brennan. “It doesn’t matter what political party you belong to or what elected office you’re running for, we have a responsibility to stand up for what’s right and what’s wrong. If you can’t do that, you certainly aren’t up for the job of leading Wisconsin.

“As governor, I won’t stay silent when the lives and constitutional rights of our citizens are at stake,” Brennan said. “I believe in public safety, civil liberties, and a government that works for the people. That means demanding answers, not excuses, and action instead of indifference.”

About Joel Brennan
Joel Brennan is a Democratic candidate for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. As Wisconsin’s former top appointed cabinet official and a leader in Milwaukee’s business and nonprofit community, he has spent his career in public service working with government, community leaders, and businesses to strengthen communities, uphold democratic values, and ensure government works for the people it serves. Brennan is running for governor to provide accountable leadership and to ensure Wisconsin families have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. For more information, visit www.BrennanforWI.com.

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JOEL BRENNAN RAISES MORE THAN HALF MILLION DOLLARS IN JUST THREE WEEKS FOR GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGN

Impressive Haul Establishes Brennan as a Standout Candidate Earning Quick Support from Wisconsin Donors

MILWAUKEE, WI - Democrat Joel Brennan today announced raising more than $560,000 in only three weeks, an impressive result that establishes him as a standout candidate in the race for Governor. Brennan earned quick and strong support following his December launch, and built an impressive foundation for his campaign in just three weeks. 

“Our campaign is laser focused on improving the lives of people across Wisconsin, and I’m humbled by the support we’ve received as we get started,” said Joel. “I’m grateful to those who’re already standing with us in this race, and I look forward to continuing to talk to folks across our state and earn their votes.” 

Joel launched his campaign in early December with a focus on taking on Donald Trump and working to bring down costs for Wisconsinites. Born and raised with his 10 siblings in Wisconsin, Joel and his wife Audra raised their own kids here. Over the last 25 years, he’s worked with businesses and nonprofits solving problems and creating opportunities in Wisconsin. Joel served as CEO of Discovery World, the largest science museum in the state, expanding opportunities for thousands of students to learn about STEM and science education, and most recently as President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. 

In 2018, Governor-elect Evers appointed Joel as his top cabinet official, leading the Department of Administration. In that position Joel took on the challenge of putting Wisconsin back on firmer financial footing after eight years of mismanagement by Scott Walker and his rightwing legislature. Working with Governor Evers, Joel helped generate a nearly $4 billion dollar budget surplus and grew the state’s rainy-day fund. Joel was also a critical part of the state’s response to COVID, making sure small businesses, farmers and families across the state received the help they needed.

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Key takeaways from Joel Brennan’s campaign launch interview

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | December 12, 2025

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted several key takeaways from Joel Brennan’s campaign launch interview for Governor of Wisconsin. The coverage outlined Brennan’s stated priorities, his emphasis on effective leadership, and how his background positions him for the statewide race.

Read the full story here.

Joel Brennan enters Wisconsin governor’s race

Joel Brennan, former top Evers aide, announces run for Wisconsin governor in 2025. Read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coverage here.

JOEL BRENNAN LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR

Milwaukee, WI - Joel Brennan today launched his campaign for governor, vowing to stand up to Donald Trump while focusing on improving the lives of people across Wisconsin and moving the state forward.

“Thanks to Donald Trump’s chaos and incompetence, the numbers just aren’t adding up for Wisconsin families. Costs, like everything, are out of control, and coming from a family who had to make every dollar count, I know what that feels like,” Joel said in his announcement video. “I’ll be a Governor who will stand up to Trump’s dysfunction and be laser focused on improving the lives of people across our state. With fair maps and a Democratic governor, we can stay true to our values and deliver real and lasting change.”

Joel was born and raised with his 10 siblings in Wisconsin, and he and his wife Audra, raised their own kids here. Over the last 25 years, he’s worked with businesses and nonprofits solving problems, making progress and growing opportunities for Wisconsin. Joel served as Executive Director of Discovery World, the largest science museum in the state, expanding opportunities for thousands of students to learn about STEM, and most recently as President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

In 2018, Governor-elect Evers appointed Joel as his top cabinet official, leading the Department of Administration. In that position Joel took on the challenge of putting Wisconsin back on firmer financial footing after eight years of mismanagement by Scott Walker and his rightwing legislature. Working with Governor Evers, Joel helped generate a nearly $4 billion dollar budget surplus and grew the state’s rainy-day fund. Joel was also a critical part of the state’s response to COVID, making sure small businesses, farmers and families across the state received the help they needed.

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