Mandela Barnes Tones Down Stance on ICE and Cash Bail in Early Governor Bid

Overview

• Barnes, a former lieutenant governor, entered a crowded Democratic primary last week to replace outgoing Gov. Tony Evers.
• In weekend interviews, he said immigrants contributing to society should have a path to citizenship and that violent offenders should be deported.
• Pressed on ending cash bail, he said it is not his focus and that any decision would depend on bill specifics, stressing detention based on crime severity.
• Past reporting by CNN’s KFile and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shows he previously signaled support for abolishing ICE, shifting police funding, and ending cash bail, including sponsoring a 2016 bill.
• Conservative outlets report his X account no longer features “abolish ICE” references, and he says he is preparing to face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, whom he calls the likely nominee.