Connecticut Senate Bill SB01135

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25

Caption

An Act Repealing The Trust Act And Requiring The Fulfillment Of Immigration And Customs Enforcement Detainer Requests.

Impact

The immediate legal impact of SB01135 would be the removal of protections afforded to undocumented immigrants under the Trust Act, thereby allowing federal immigration authorities easier access to detain individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system. This change may lead to increased deportation of undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records, as local law enforcement agencies would be compelled to act on ICE requests. The bill may also have a chilling effect on immigrant communities, discouraging individuals from reporting crimes or cooperating with police out of fear of deportation.

Summary

SB01135 seeks to repeal the existing Trust Act, which previously limited the ability of state law enforcement to fulfill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. The bill mandates that law enforcement and corrections officials must comply with ICE detainer requests for undocumented immigrants charged with crimes. Additionally, it requires these officials to notify ICE within two days of releasing such individuals from custody. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary for public safety and cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Contention

The bill has sparked significant debate regarding the balance between public safety and the rights of immigrants. Supporters insist that enforcing ICE detainers can enhance community safety by ensuring that individuals who pose a criminal threat are not released back into the community without federal intervention. On the other hand, critics argue that the bill undermines trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, which can lead to underreporting of crimes and reluctance to engage with police due to fear of deportation. They contend that such policies can exacerbate discrimination and racial profiling among law enforcement practices.