Georgia Senate Bill SB559

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/24
• Refer: 2/27/24

Caption

Counties, Municipal Corporations, and other Governmental Entities; sovereign and governmental immunities for violation on the prohibition on immigration sanctuary policies; waive

Impact

If enacted, SB559 would significantly alter the legal landscape for local governments in Georgia. The bill mandates that sheriffs and jailers must comply with federal immigration detainer requests, effectively requiring local law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws. Furthermore, any local government that fails to adhere to this can face repercussions such as the withholding of state funding. This enforcement mandate aims to reduce the instances where local governments adopt sanctuary policies that limit collaboration with federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 559 aims to impose stricter regulations on local governments in Georgia regarding their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend legal provisions concerning counties, municipal corporations, and other governmental entities to waive sovereign and governmental immunities for local officials and employees who violate prohibitions against enacting immigration sanctuary policies. This bill is intended to ensure that local jurisdictions cannot restrict their employees from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

Contention

While proponents of SB559 argue that it is necessary for ensuring public safety and legal compliance with federal immigration laws, opponents contend that it undermines local governance and community safety. Critics are concerned that the bill will erode trust between local law enforcement and immigrant communities, leading to increased fear and the potential withholding of cooperation in criminal investigations. There is also apprehension regarding the broad interpretation of what constitutes a sanctuary policy, raising concerns about the implications for local governance and civil liberties.