More Wisconsin sheriffs are expected to enter formal cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the coming weeks, according to WISN 12 News, as local officials seek to avoid a surge of federal agents similar to what recently unfolded in Minnesota.

The push follows remarks from border czar Tom Homan, who announced Wednesday that hundreds of federal agents would leave Minnesota after new agreements were reached with county jails.

“Given this increase in unprecedented collaboration, and as a result of the need for less law enforcement officers to do this work in a safer environment, I have announced effective immediately we will draw down 700 people effective today,” Homan said.

Already, more than a dozen Wisconsin counties have entered formal partnerships with ICE, allowing local jails to transfer inmates flagged by federal officials into federal custody. (RELATED: Trans Musician Launches Long-Shot Bid for Wisconsin Congress Seat)

These agreements fall into two main categories. Some counties have adopted the “jail enforcement model,” which grants deputies expanded authority, including the ability to question inmates about their immigration status. Others participate in a more limited warrant service officer program that permits officials to serve ICE administrative warrants on people already in custody.

Kenosha, Kewaunee, Marathon, and Waukesha counties have signed jail enforcement model agreements. Eleven additional counties — including Brown, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, and Winnebago — participate in the warrant service program, according to WISN.

Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz said the partnership is designed to protect local communities. “I understand what appears to be happening in other cities is very concerning,” Matz said to WISN. “That is not happening here.” He added, “I don’t think it hurts to do what we’re doing.”

The issue is drawing national attention as sheriffs from across the country gather in Washington for their annual conference. Sam Hall, an attorney who represents Wisconsin sheriffs, said law enforcement leaders feel trapped between competing pressures. “I think what we’re hearing is sheriffs feel like they’re caught between a rock and a hard place,” Hall said. “I think genuinely every sheriff that I work with is focused on keeping their community safe.”

Legal challenges, however, threaten to slow or halt the expansion. The ACLU of Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the agreements, arguing that state law does not authorize sheriffs to honor federal immigration detainers.

“Wisconsin has not granted the power to honor the detainers, and that is something Congress left up to individual states,” said ACLU attorney Tim Muth.

Milwaukee County ended its cooperation with ICE in 2018 and continues to refuse detainer requests. (RELATED: ICE Facility Inspections, Not Enforcement — Still Too Far for Oneida Nation)

The case is now before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, though attorneys for sheriffs are seeking to move it to federal court. Until the legal questions are resolved, Wisconsin’s growing network of ICE partnerships is likely to remain a central flashpoint in the state’s immigration and law enforcement debate.