US Representative and Republican luminary Paul Ryan has some added incentive to pay attention to immigration measures coming up for consideration as Wisconsin has become somewhat of an unlikely place for immigration advocate protests. But that is what is happening in Ryan's home state.

There was a demonstration by some 20 or so advocates on Monday in Racine, where according to the Journal Times protesters are speaking up against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents staking out court dates where a Spanish-speaking translator is available for people handling infractions as minute as a speeding ticket who cannot speak English.

"This is the season to be jolly ... for families to be together celebrating the holidays. But instead people are being deported right from the court house, right from our law enforcement building," Maria Morales told the Journal Times.

The protesters had been accusing the Racine Country Sheriff's Office of passing information on to ICE agents to make it easier to pick up individuals for deportation. The Sheriff's Office stated that they were not aware of when the ICE agents had been there or whether or not there was an ongoing investigation.

On Dec. 11 a group of protesters organized by Voces de la Frontera took part in a fast at the state capitol to put pressure on Rep. Ryan in particular, saying that he had supported immigration reform in words, but had not followed through with action.

"I think part of our message here today and across the country is that rhetoric is not enough," said Voces executive director Christine Neumann-Ortiz to Wisconsin Public Radio. "We need from Congressman Ryan. We need more from the president. It's a symbolic sacrifice in solidarity with families that have experienced hunger - that have experienced death."

While Wisconsin may not be the nation's "front line" of immigration reform, recent activity in Wisconsin demonstrates how deeply the issue runs through the country.