The Trump administration’s strategy of pressing states and local jurisdictions to support federal immigration authorities has been met with increased resistance from Democratic-led states, which are bolstering state laws that limit cooperation. California has taken significant steps, passing over a dozen pro-immigrant bills in the last week. Among them is a measure that restricts schools from allowing federal immigration officials into nonpublic areas without a judicial warrant.
Other states have also moved to protect immigrants in various areas such as housing, employment, and interactions with the police, especially as the Trump administration increases arrests as part of a plan for larger deportations. In Connecticut, pending legislation aims to expand a law that limits when state law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration requests, allowing individuals to sue municipalities over possible breaches of the state’s Trust Act. This measure places Connecticut among a list of “sanctuary jurisdictions” nominated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that allegedly obstruct federal immigration law enforcement. The list was subsequently withdrawn due to inaccuracies.
The nation remains divided on immigration assistance, either bolstering or resisting Trump’s initiatives. Since taking office, Trump has managed to increase state and local law enforcement partnerships, listing 640 cooperative agreements to identify and detain illegal immigrants, a significant rise under his presidency. He has also abolished long-standing restrictions on immigration enforcement near places like schools, churches, and hospitals, while urging federal inquiries into states and cities perceived as opposing his immigration mandates. The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against several states including Colorado, Illinois, and New York, arguing that their policies breach constitutional or federal immigration laws.
Despite legal action, states like Colorado continue to enact laws that expand protections for immigrants. Governor Jared Polis recently signed a law prohibiting jails from detaining inmates for immigration enforcement, also imposing fines up to $50,000 for certain institutions that inquire about immigration status, with specific exceptions. Him rejecting Colorado’s depiction as a “sanctuary state” suggests state enforcement of criminal law remains cooperative with federal authorities. “But state and local law enforcement cannot be commandeered to enforce federal civil immigration laws,” reiterated Polis, highlighting a refusal to comply with certain federal demands.
Illinois also pushes ahead with legislation supporting immigrants, ensuring free public education regardless of immigration status, an entitlement already upheld by a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The state legislation serves as a backup against potential overturning of such court precedents and requires schools to formulate policies addressing federal immigration official requests.
Democratic-led states have taken varied approaches to supporting immigrant communities. Oregon has prohibited landlords from asking tenants about immigration status, and Washington has passed laws to protect workers from immigration-related threats by employers and allows paid sick leave for immigration-related matters. Vermont discontinued a law enabling state partnerships for immigration enforcement without explicit governor approval.
Maryland, often in legislative fluctuation, has experienced alterations as it sought to bar local governments from partnering with federal immigration, a clause later retracted after substantial opposition. The resolved legislation restricts schools and libraries from granting federal officials access to nonpublic areas without a court order or in emergencies. Del. Nicole Williams, its state sponsor, expressed that Trump’s policies spurred the support for legal measures to ensure a safe community for all residents.
Many of these laws reinforce existing policies, reassuring immigrant communities that they are welcomed in their states. In California, a 2018 law already obligated public schools to minimize assisting immigration enforcement. Senate-passed legislation calls for stricter regulations, demanding a judicial warrant to facilitate federal immigration actions within schools.
State Sen. Scott Wiener advocated these measures, insisting that deportation fears discourage school attendance. However, some Republicans argue this inserts partisan immigration policies into educational settings. According to state Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, there are no instances of children being forcibly taken by immigration officers in California schools, condemning the fear-driven narratives associated with these legislations.