A coalition of Connecticut advocates wants lawmakers to strengthen the state’s immigration law.

Lawmakers have discussed bolstering the Trust Act after President Donald Trump signed 10 executive orders targeting undocumented immigrants, though some face legal challenges.

Chelsea-Infinity Gonzalez, director of public policy and advocacy for the ACLU of Connecticut, said bolstering the Trust Act aligns with similar regional action.

“Ensuring effective enforcement to a private right of action, ensuring there are pathways for individuals to report any violation to the Trust Act, eliminating unnecessary data sharing and collection, and making it clear Connecticut resources and officials can’t be used for any federal immigration enforcement,” Gonzalez outlined.

She added the Trust Act is a good first step but strengthening the enforcement mechanism ensures immigrants do not have to fear law enforcement. The primary challenge to get reforms is resistance from lawmakers because of what Gonzalez called the politicization of immigrants. Lawmakers’ feedback ranges from strong approval to deep concern for public safety.

Beyond politicization, Gonzalez argued immigrants and the Trust Act have been victims of misinformation from lawmakers. Gonzalez noted some falsely claimed the Trust Act would make Connecticut a sanctuary for immigrants to commit crimes. She acknowledged a hyper-focus on cases like the killing of Laken Riley becomes political talking points and distracts from the issues immigrants face.

“A lot of it is rooted in isolated instances that are being overly politicized to undermine protections for immigrant families who rely on things like the Trust Act or on other protections,” Gonzalez contended.

There are concerns the newly passed federal Laken Riley Act, mandating detention for illegal immigrants arrested on some minor charges, could also impact the Trust Act. Gonzalez noted there is plenty of overlap but strengthening state laws protects immigrants from federal actions spurred on by the new law.

Cover Photo: (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Lawmakers must strengthen CT immigration law was first published on Public News Service, and was republished with permission.

Part of Latino News Network’s mission is to amplify the work of others in providing greater visibility and voice to the Hispanic, Latino community.