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Bill

SB 508

Law enforcement: other; immigration enforcement at certain locations; prohibit in certain circumstances. Creates new act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 6 co-sponsors

Michigan bill restricts local police immigration enforcement at schools, hospitals, and courts to protect vulnerable immigrants and ensure access to essential services.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
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Bill Summary · SB 508

Legislative bill overview

SB 508 would create a new law restricting immigration enforcement activities by local law enforcement in Michigan at specific locations, such as schools, hospitals, and courthouses. The bill prohibits cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities under certain circumstances, aiming to protect vulnerable populations from immigration enforcement in sensitive areas.

Why is this important

This bill addresses the intersection of local policing and federal immigration enforcement, which affects both immigrant communities' access to essential services and police-community relations. States and municipalities across the US have adopted varying approaches to this issue, with this bill reflecting Michigan's position on the balance between local law enforcement priorities and federal immigration policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of restrictions: Debate over which locations should be designated as "sensitive" and whether the restrictions adequately balance public safety concerns with immigrant protection
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Questions about how violations would be enforced and what penalties would apply to law enforcement agencies that don't comply
  • Federal preemption concerns: Legal arguments about whether states can restrict how local police interact with federal immigration authorities, given federal authority over immigration matters
  • Community safety trade-offs: Disagreements between those prioritizing immigrant access to services and those concerned restrictions could hamper legitimate law enforcement operations

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

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