Strengthening Protections for Immigrant Communities

May 31, 2025


 

It is crunch time at the Capitol as we enter the final days of the legislative session. We passed an incredibly important bill providing enhanced protections for immigrant communities across the state. I'll break down how the legislation makes our city safer and builds trust in Waterbury.

We also approved a bill aimed at deterring street takeovers and illegal ATV use. I'll break down how the new legislation will crack down on those activities.

A wonderful nonprofit, Waterbury Promise, toured the Capitol to tout its higher education program. I'll break down how it's providing inspiration for hundreds of kids in our city.

You will find the following sections below:

  • Strengthening the TRUST Act
  • Tackling Street Takeovers
  • Waterbury Promise Showcases Its Program
  • Celebrating Hartford at the Capitol
 

Strengthening the Trust Act

As federal immigration agents continue to carry out random raids that disrupt families and spread fear across our neighborhoods, my colleagues and I took action to reaffirm the values of Waterbury and Connecticut, which include fairness, justice, and human dignity.

Last week, we passed legislation to strengthen the TRUST Act, one of the strongest sets of protections in the nation for immigrant communities. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk, and it sends a clear message that all residents deserve to live, work, and raise their families in safety and without fear—regardless of immigration status.

Waterbury is a proud city of immigrants. Generations of families have come here seeking a better life, and they’ve built businesses, raised children, and strengthened our local economy. Today’s immigrant families—many of whom are Latino, African, Middle Eastern, and Asian—are part of that same legacy. They are essential to the life of our city and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

The updated TRUST Act makes sure that our local and state agencies are not used to carry out unjust federal immigration enforcement. It strikes a careful balance—protecting immigrant families while continuing to allow for cooperation with federal authorities when it truly serves public safety.

Here’s what this legislation does:

  • Expands protections by limiting when state and local agencies—including juvenile probation officers and employees of the Division of Criminal Justice and the Board of Pardons and Paroles—can cooperate with ICE, unless there is a clear and serious threat to public safety.
  • Continues cooperation with federal immigration authorities only in cases involving individuals convicted of serious crimes.
  • Adds safeguards by expanding the list of post-conviction Class C and D felonies—such as domestic violence and child exploitation—that permit cooperation.

This law doesn’t weaken public safety—it strengthens it. When families live in fear of being separated, they are less likely to report crimes, go to medical appointments, or send their children to school. That makes everyone less safe. Building trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement is not only the right thing to do—it’s essential for a stronger Waterbury.
 

Tackling Street Takeovers
We’re cracking down on street takeovers and the illegal use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). This activity is not only disruptive, but dangerous.

House Democrats voted on Wednesday to authorize steep fines, vehicle seizures, and automatic license suspensions.

This legislation targets both participants and organizers, aiming to curb dangerous road behavior with tougher enforcement and penalties.
 

Waterbury Promise Showcases Its Program

Waterbury Promise visited the Capitol to promote its amazing education program, which is a pipeline for higher education. The nonprofit currently serves more than 600 Waterbury students across approximately 20 local universities, colleges, and community colleges.

The goal is to build a generation of college graduates to transform our city. The nonprofit offers up to $20,000 in financial support to each scholar over four years. The program’s success hinges on providing a full spectrum of support services to help traditionally underserved Waterbury students get to college, thrive, graduate, and be prepared for the workforce.

I am proud to support Waterbury Promise as it continues to inspire every student in our city to pursue higher education. 
 

Celebrating Hartford at the Capitol

It was an honor to celebrate Hartford Day at the Capitol alongside passionate residents, inspiring advocates, and local business owners! Thank you to Story and Soil Coffee and Brothers Johnson 1929 Hat Company for showcasing their wonderful businesses!

My Hartford colleagues, Reps. Joshua Hall and Maryam Khan, inspired the crowd by promoting the city's growth and limitless potential. The pride and unity on display were a powerful reminder of the city's resilience, talent, and character.