Push To Strengthen the Trust Act

March 28, 2025


 

As federal immigration agents continue to perform random raids and instill fear in our communities, my colleagues and I are pushing to strengthen protections for all residents of Connecticut. No family should have to live in constant fear of separation, and no child should worry their parent may not come home from work.

That is why we are advocating to expand Connecticut’s Trust Act, legislation designed to limit when and how long law enforcement cooperates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the law was a step forward when enacted, it has not been updated since 2019 and must be strengthened to reflect current challenges.

House Bill 7212 would take necessary action by further restricting the type of information local law enforcement can share with ICE. The legislation would extend these limitations beyond law enforcement to all public agencies in Connecticut, ensuring that schools, hospitals, and other state institutions are not supporting immigration enforcement.

Connecticut has a moral and legal responsibility to support its immigrant workers and families, regardless of immigration status. Our communities thrive when everyone feels safe -- children attend school without fear, parents can go to work without the risk of being torn from their families, and individuals trust they can contact the police without facing deportation.

Our police officers are not immigration agents. They are here to build trust, foster cooperation, and protect every person, regardless of their immigration status.

Immigrants do not simply contribute to our economy; they are our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. They are a fundamental part of our cities, our state, and our country.  We must act now to ensure that Connecticut remains a place of fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all.