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SB 345

AN ACT ENSURING THAT LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FULLY COOPERATE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Dauphinais and 4 co-sponsors

Mandates Connecticut state and local officials cooperate fully with federal immigration enforcement, potentially overriding existing sanctuary policies and local enforcement priorities.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#complaint #fines(penalties) #immigration #lawenforcement #unitedstatesgovernment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 345

Legislative bill overview

SB 345 would mandate that Connecticut state and local government officials cooperate fully with federal law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws. The bill appears designed to prevent "sanctuary" policies that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration authorities.

Why is this important

Immigration enforcement cooperation involves significant practical and philosophical questions about local law enforcement priorities, resource allocation, and community trust. This bill directly challenges Connecticut's existing sanctuary policies and could fundamentally reshape how state and local police interact with federal immigration agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Sanctuary policy conflict: Connecticut has established sanctuary laws limiting local police cooperation with ICE; this bill would effectively override those protections and create legal conflict
  • Resource and liability concerns: Local police argue that mandatory federal immigration enforcement diverts resources from local public safety and may expose municipalities to legal liability
  • Community-police trust: Immigrant communities and civil rights advocates warn that mandatory cooperation with ICE chills crime reporting and undermines public safety by reducing witness cooperation
  • Constitutional questions: Courts have previously ruled that states cannot be commandeered to enforce federal law; this bill's enforceability may face legal challenges
  • Definition of "cooperation": The bill's language about "full cooperation" is vague and could create disputes over what compliance actually requires

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

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