Connecticut Governor Lamont Opposes Trust Act Revision Impacting Deportations

# Connecticut Governor Signals Opposition to Trust Act Expansion Proposal

Connecticut’s political scene is getting tense. Governor Ned Lamont says he probably won’t back a plan to expand the state’s Trust Act that would punish businesses for working with federal immigration authorities.

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The proposal would cut state subsidies from companies that cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This move is stirring up debates about state control versus federal immigration enforcement, especially in places like Hartford and New Haven.

Understanding Connecticut’s Current Trust Act

The Trust Act, last updated in 2019 with Lamont’s support, already puts Connecticut among just six states that block formal deals between local police and ICE. That’s a big difference from the 38 states that still have those partnerships.

Connecticut’s Unique Immigration Enforcement Stance

Nearby states like Massachusetts and New York still let some police agencies work with ICE. Connecticut, though, sticks to its own approach.

People living in towns like Stamford and Bridgeport are under policies that care more about local safety than immigration status checks. “Connecticut police target dangerous criminals and cooperate with federal agencies like ICE only in those specific cases,” Governor Lamont said. He stressed that most towns, from Waterbury to Greenwich, don’t do broad immigration checks.

Political Reactions to the Proposed Expansion

The governor’s spokesperson said Lamont feels good about the 2019 Trust Act changes. He doesn’t see a strong reason to change things again right now.

Ongoing Negotiations and Opposition

House Speaker Matt Ritter called the situation fluid. He described the expansion as important but still up in the air. “We’re in ongoing negotiations with the governor’s office,” Ritter said. He hinted that lawmakers might find a compromise that works for people in places like Danbury and New London.

House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora stands firmly against the proposal. He thinks the 2019 changes already went too far and worries about stirring up more fights with federal authorities.

The Broader Legal Context

State Attorney General William Tong has defended Connecticut’s approach. He says the state has the right to set its own law enforcement priorities and to refuse federal immigration enforcement requests.

Federal-State Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement

This debate in Connecticut mirrors national tensions. Right now, there are 531 agreements between ICE and local agencies in the U.S., with 105 more waiting for approval. None of those are in Connecticut, which really sets the state apart.

Connecticut has joined 19 other states in fighting back against federal efforts to tie transportation funding to immigration cooperation. Attorney General Tong calls these moves unconstitutional and coercive, saying they try to force states to follow federal immigration rules.

Looking Forward

The proposal keeps moving through legislative channels. Folks across Connecticut, from Norwalk to Middletown, are watching with a mix of curiosity and concern.

They’re wondering how the state will juggle local autonomy, public safety, and immigration enforcement. It’s a tough balance, and honestly, nobody seems entirely sure how it’ll play out.

Here is the source article for this story: Lamont unlikely to sign Trust Act revision, which would penalize CT companies aiding deportations

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