CT Trust Act Expansion Approved by House in Party-Line Vote

# Connecticut House Approves Trust Act Expansion: What It Means for Immigrant Communities

Connecticut’s House of Representatives just passed major legislation to expand the state’s Trust Act. The law aims to protect immigrant communities by limiting how much local authorities work with federal immigration officials.

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This bill brings in new enforcement tools. Now, people can take legal action against towns or officials who break the law’s rules, which could shake up how places like Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford interact with undocumented residents.

All of this comes as national debates about immigration keep heating up. Connecticut’s approach seems to be shifting, with a focus on safeguarding vulnerable groups.

Understanding Connecticut’s Trust Act and Its Expansion

The Trust Act first passed in 2013, with everyone in agreement at the time. It set limits on when local police could hold someone just because ICE asked them to.

This new legislation pushes those protections further. It adds accountability measures that the original law didn’t include.

Key Changes to Enforcement Mechanisms

With the expansion, “any aggrieved person” can now go to court and seek an injunction if towns or officials—like police or even school staff—break the Trust Act. If a town loses in court, it has to pay the plaintiff’s legal fees and court costs.

That financial hit gives towns a real reason to follow the law. “This bill closes a critical loophole that previously allowed some communities to disregard the law without facing consequences,” said advocates from immigrant support groups in Danbury and Norwalk.

“It ensures that the protections we promised immigrant communities actually have teeth.”

Political Division Reflects Changing Immigration Attitudes

The original Trust Act passed with everyone on board, but this expansion? Not so much. The vote split along party lines, 96-51, which really shows how immigration has become a hot-button issue in Connecticut politics.

It’s a big change from the mood in 2013. Communities from Waterbury to Greenwich are feeling that shift.

Republican Concerns About Municipal Liability

Republicans sounded the alarm during the debates. Lawmakers from suburban and rural areas warned that the bill could:

Expose municipal officials to unexpected legal costs

Potentially place local officials at risk of federal prosecution

Broaden the Trust Act’s reach beyond its original intent

One representative from Fairfield County said, “This puts our towns in an impossible position between state and federal authorities.“

Democratic Support Focused on Public Safety

Supporters, like Representative Steven Stafstrom, argued the law’s real goal is public safety. They say undocumented immigrants need to feel safe reporting crimes.

“When people are afraid to contact police, entire communities become less safe,” a community advocate from Stamford pointed out.

The law keeps some key exceptions. Local authorities still have to comply with court-issued warrants, and they can detain people arrested for serious charges if ICE asks.

Personal Stories Highlight Human Impact

One of the most moving moments in the debate came from Representative Farley Santos. He opened up about his own experience as a former undocumented immigrant.

His story reminded lawmakers that these aren’t just policy debates—they’re decisions that affect real people. “The stories from communities like Middletown and New London demonstrate why these protections matter,” said a community organizer working with immigrant families across Connecticut.

“When parents are afraid to take their children to school or seek medical care, we all suffer the consequences.”

Looking Forward

The bill now heads to the Senate. Municipalities across Connecticut—places like Bridgeport and even smaller towns like West Hartford—are paying close attention.

They’re trying to figure out how these changes might shake up their own policies. Advocates are hoping the strengthened Trust Act will help build real cooperation between immigrant communities and local authorities.

Here is the source article for this story: Expansion of CT Trust Act passes House on largely party-line vote

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