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HB 5601

AN ACT CONCERNING COOPERATION BY STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WITH FEDERAL PERSONNEL IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Dauphinais and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill would mandate state and local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, reversing current sanctuary state restrictions on ICE collaboration.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#immigration #lawenforcement
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5601

Legislative bill overview

HB 5601 would require Connecticut state and local officials to cooperate with and assist federal immigration enforcement personnel in enforcing federal immigration laws. The bill establishes obligations for state and local law enforcement to work with federal immigration authorities, potentially including information sharing and operational support.

Why is this important

This bill directly addresses the "sanctuary state" policies Connecticut has maintained, which generally restrict local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration enforcement. The outcome would significantly affect how Connecticut's resources are deployed, which immigrants face deportation risk, and the relationship between local police and immigrant communities who may fear cooperation will lead to removal.

Potential points of contention

  • Conflict with existing sanctuary protections: Connecticut law currently prohibits most local police cooperation with ICE; this bill reverses that approach, creating direct conflict with established state policy and creating implementation uncertainty
  • Community trust and public safety concerns: Advocates argue mandatory cooperation discourages immigrants from reporting crimes, serving as witnesses, or seeking services, potentially reducing overall public safety and community policing effectiveness
  • Resource allocation and costs: The bill may impose unfunded obligations on local municipalities to dedicate personnel and resources to federal immigration enforcement rather than local priorities
  • Constitutional and federal authority questions: Legal scholars debate whether states can be required to enforce federal law, and whether commandeering state resources violates anti-commandeering doctrine

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

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