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HB 5439

AN ACT CONCERNING CIVIL IMMIGRATION DETAINERS FOR PERSONS WHO ARE CHARGED WITH THE COMMISSION OF A CLASS A, B OR C FELONY OR A FAMILY VIOLENCE CRIME.

2026 Regular Session

Connecticut bill limits local compliance with federal immigration detainers to only serious felonies and family violence offenses, reducing ICE's detention authority in state jails.

PUBLIC HEARING 0309
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Bill Summary · HB 5439

Legislative bill overview

HB 5439 would modify Connecticut's policies regarding civil immigration detainers—requests from federal immigration authorities to hold individuals in local custody beyond their release date. The bill specifically limits when local law enforcement must comply with these detainers, restricting them to cases where individuals are charged with Class A, B, or C felonies or family violence crimes. This represents a narrowing of current detainer compliance practices.

Why is this important

Immigration detainers have become a focal point in sanctuary jurisdiction debates, affecting both public safety coordination and immigrant rights. This bill directly impacts how Connecticut counties and municipalities interact with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), potentially reducing the number of individuals held on detainers while maintaining compliance for serious criminal charges. The outcome affects law enforcement resources, community trust in local police, and federal-local immigration enforcement relationships.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety framing: Supporters argue the bill protects due process and prevents unnecessary detention of non-citizens for minor offenses; opponents contend it hampers ICE's ability to locate and detain individuals charged with crimes
  • Enforcement burden: Local jurisdictions may face legal exposure or federal pressure if they release individuals later charged federally with immigration violations
  • "Family violence crime" definition: The scope of what constitutes qualifying family violence crimes could be contested, creating inconsistent application across jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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