Connecticut House expands Trust Act, changing protections for immigrants

Key Takeaways

• On May 21, 2025, Connecticut House approved HB 7212 expanding the Trust Act with broader immigrant protections.
• The bill adds parole officers and prosecutors to limits on ICE cooperation and allows lawsuits against municipalities.
• Expansion broadens criminal exceptions and restricts information sharing across all public agencies in Connecticut.

On May 21, 2025, the Connecticut House of Representatives approved a major expansion of the state’s Trust Act, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the state. The bill, which passed with a 96-51 vote, introduces new protections for undocumented immigrants while also modifying some existing provisions. With Governor Ned Lamont voicing his support for the House-approved version, the legislation is poised to reshape how Connecticut balances public safety, community trust, and cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Below is a comprehensive legal update on the Connecticut House’s action, including a summary of the bill, background and reasons for the changes, affected aspects of the law, implications for various groups, a comparison with previous law, and the implementation timeline.

Summary of the Connecticut House Action and Effective Date

On May 21, 2025, the Connecticut House approved HB 7212, a bill to expand and amend the Trust Act. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate passes the bill and Governor Ned Lamont signs it, the new provisions will become law. The effective date will depend on the final text and the governor’s signature, but supporters are pushing for implementation before the legislative session ends.

Key points in the House-approved bill:
– Expanded protections for undocumented immigrants
– New legal enforcement mechanism allowing individuals to sue municipalities for violations
– Broader list of criminal exceptions where cooperation with federal immigration authorities is allowed
– Stricter limits on information sharing with federal agencies

Background and Reasons for the Trust Act Expansion

Historical Context

Connecticut’s Trust Act, first enacted in 2013, was designed to limit the involvement of state and local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. The law prohibits police from detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status and restricts when and how information can be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Trust Act was last updated in 2019, reflecting ongoing concerns about the impact of federal immigration policies on local communities. Since then, the national landscape has shifted, with the Trump administration increasing immigration enforcement and attempting to tie federal funding to state cooperation with ICE.

Why Expand the Trust Act Now?

Several factors have driven the push for further expansion:

• Rising federal immigration enforcement: Increased ICE activity and high-profile immigration raids have heightened fear among undocumented residents, making them less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police.
• Community trust and public safety: Advocates argue that when immigrants fear local authorities, it undermines public safety for everyone. Ensuring that undocumented residents can interact with police without fear of deportation is seen as essential.
• Legal challenges to federal overreach: Connecticut, along with other states, has challenged federal attempts to force cooperation with ICE, including lawsuits led by Attorney General William Tong.
• Calls from advocacy and religious groups: Faith leaders and immigrant rights organizations have urged lawmakers to strengthen protections, emphasizing moral and practical reasons for shielding vulnerable residents.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Connecticut’s efforts are part of a broader national trend where states are re-examining their relationship with federal immigration enforcement.

Aspects of the Law Affected by the Expansion

The House-approved bill introduces several significant changes to the Trust Act:

1. Expanded Coverage of Law Enforcement

Who is now covered?
– The bill adds parole officers and prosecutors to the list of law enforcement personnel restricted from cooperating with ICE, unless specific exceptions apply.
– Previously, the law primarily applied to police officers and sheriffs.

What does this mean?
– Broader protection: More state and local officials will be required to follow the Trust Act’s limits, reducing the risk of unauthorized cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

2. Modified Criminal Exceptions

What are the new exceptions?
– The current Trust Act only allows cooperation with ICE for individuals convicted of Class A or B felonies (the most serious crimes).
– The new bill expands this to include certain Class C and D felonies, specifically:
– Sexual assault
– Certain crimes against minors
– Some violent offenses

Why the change?
– Lawmakers, including House Speaker Matt Ritter, emphasized that expanding the list of exceptions was a priority for caucus members concerned about serious crimes, especially those involving sexual assault or harm to children.

What stays the same?
– For less serious offenses or civil immigration violations, cooperation with ICE remains restricted.

3. Legal Enforcement Mechanism

What’s new?
– Individuals can now sue municipalities if they believe their rights under the Trust Act have been violated.
– Lawsuits can seek court orders to stop cooperation with ICE, but monetary damages are not allowed.

Why is this important?
– This gives undocumented residents and their advocates a practical tool to hold local governments accountable.
– However, critics warn it could lead to costly legal battles for cities and towns.

4. Information Disclosure Limitations

What’s changing?
– The bill further limits the types of information that can be shared with federal immigration authorities.
– These restrictions are extended to all public agencies in Connecticut, not just law enforcement.

Practical effect:
– Greater privacy: Undocumented residents will have more assurance that their personal information won’t be shared with ICE unless a serious crime is involved.

Implications for Different Groups

Undocumented Immigrants and Their Families

• Increased protection: The expansion means fewer situations where local officials can cooperate with ICE, reducing the risk of deportation for minor offenses.
• Legal recourse: Individuals who feel their rights have been violated can now seek court intervention.
• Continued risk for serious crimes: Those convicted of the expanded list of felonies remain subject to cooperation with ICE.

Example:
A mother living in Connecticut without legal status is the victim of domestic violence. Under the expanded Trust Act, she can report the crime to police without fear that her immigration status will be shared with ICE, unless she is convicted of a serious felony.

Law Enforcement and Public Agencies

• Broader restrictions: Police, parole officers, prosecutors, and all public agencies must follow stricter rules on when and how they can cooperate with ICE.
• Potential legal exposure: Municipalities could face lawsuits if they violate the Trust Act, though only court orders (not damages) can be sought.

Municipalities and Local Governments

• Compliance requirements: Cities and towns must ensure all relevant employees are trained on the new rules.
• Legal costs: There is concern about the potential for increased legal challenges, as highlighted by House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora.

Advocacy and Religious Groups

• Validation of efforts: The expansion reflects years of advocacy by immigrant rights groups and faith leaders.
• Ongoing vigilance: Groups will likely monitor implementation and may use the new legal mechanism to challenge violations.

Employers and Schools

• Clarity on obligations: Employers and school officials who are part of public agencies must be aware of the new limits on information sharing.
• Safer environment: The changes aim to foster trust so that all residents, regardless of status, feel safe accessing public services.

Comparison with Previous Law

Implementation Timeline

1. May 21, 2025: Connecticut House passes HB 7212.
2. Late May/Early June 2025: Bill moves to the Senate for debate and vote.
3. Upon Senate approval: Bill is sent to Governor Ned Lamont for signature.
4. Effective date: The law will take effect as specified in the final bill, likely soon after the governor’s signature due to the legislative session’s approaching end.

Advocates are urging quick action to ensure the bill becomes law before the session adjourns.

National Context and Broader Implications

Connecticut’s move is part of a larger national debate over the role of state and local governments in federal immigration enforcement. States like California and New York have adopted similar laws limiting cooperation with ICE, often called “sanctuary” policies.

Key points in the national context:
– Federal-state tensions: The Trump administration has threatened to withhold funding from states that limit cooperation with ICE, leading to lawsuits and political standoffs.
– Public safety concerns: Supporters of the Trust Act argue that when immigrants fear police, crimes go unreported and communities are less safe.
– Opposition arguments: Critics claim that limiting cooperation with ICE could allow dangerous criminals to avoid deportation.

According to VisaVerge.com, Connecticut’s approach reflects a growing recognition that local control over immigration enforcement can help build trust and improve public safety, even as federal policies remain contentious.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

For undocumented residents:
– Know your rights: The expanded Trust Act, if enacted, will provide stronger protections against detention and information sharing with ICE.
– Seek legal help: If you believe your rights under the Trust Act have been violated, you may be able to seek a court order. Contact local legal aid organizations for assistance.

For municipalities and public agencies:
– Review policies: Update training and procedures to ensure compliance with the new law.
– Prepare for legal challenges: Understand the new legal enforcement mechanism and be ready to respond to court actions.

For advocacy groups:
– Monitor implementation: Watch for violations and be prepared to use the new legal tools to protect community members.

For employers and schools:
– Clarify obligations: Make sure staff understand the new limits on information sharing and cooperation with ICE.

For more information:
Visit the Connecticut General Assembly’s official bill tracking page for updates on HB 7212 and the Trust Act.

Conclusion

The Connecticut House’s approval of the Trust Act expansion represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. By broadening protections, introducing a legal enforcement mechanism, and clarifying when cooperation with ICE is allowed, the legislation aims to strike a balance between public safety and the rights of undocumented residents. With Governor Ned Lamont’s support and the Senate’s consideration pending, Connecticut is poised to join a growing number of states that are redefining their role in federal immigration policy.

As the legislative session draws to a close, all eyes are on the Senate and the governor’s office. If the bill becomes law, it will have immediate and far-reaching effects on immigrants, law enforcement, municipalities, and the broader Connecticut community.

For ongoing updates and detailed analysis of immigration policy changes, readers can consult trusted sources such as VisaVerge.com and official state government websites.

Learn Today

Trust Act → Connecticut state law limiting local cooperation with ICE to protect undocumented immigrants from federal enforcement.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Parole Officers → Officials supervising individuals released from prison on parole, now limited from cooperating with ICE under the bill.
Legal Enforcement Mechanism → New provision allowing individuals to sue municipalities for violating the Trust Act, seeking court orders, not damages.
Criminal Exceptions → Specific serious crimes under which cooperation with ICE is permitted, expanded to include some Class C and D felonies.

This Article in a Nutshell

Connecticut’s House passed HB 7212 on May 21, 2025, to expand the Trust Act, enhancing immigrant protections and legal enforcement mechanisms while balancing public safety concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com

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