Connecticut Democrats Vote to Shield Criminal Illegal Aliens from ICE, Block GOP Safety Amendments

HARTFORD, CT – Earlier in November, Democratic Connecticut senators voted to prohibit state and local authorities from meaningfully collaborating with immigration authorities while also limiting their ability to perform their duties at courthouses. When Republican senators sought amendments to allow information sharing regarding illegal aliens who are convicted felons or charged with violent offenses, Democrats reportedly shot that down as well.

On November 13th, state lawmakers in Connecticut passed House Bill 8004, which is viewed by Republicans within the state as a hindrance against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as a prioritization of criminal illegal aliens over American citizens.  

In what local news outlets have called a bill passed “largely on party lines,” Democrats have made it so state and local law enforcement cannot voluntarily share with immigration authorities personal information of individuals – including suspected or confirmed illegal aliens – such as addresses, workplaces, and any scheduled court appearances.

The aforementioned bill also forbids ICE agents from making arrests within state courthouses unless they have a judicial warrant, alongside prohibiting federal agents from wearing masks on court grounds “unless medically necessary.”

Democrat Sen. Gary Winfield claimed the legislation isn’t about some personal or shared vendetta against federal law enforcement but is instead a means to ensure those reporting to state court feel safe to do so, adding, “It’s not about our feelings about police, our feelings about ICE. It’s about the people who are interfacing with our court system.”

Some Democrats in the State Senate claimed the legislative move was only to protect the integrity of courthouse operations. However, when Republican Sen. Ryan Fazio introduced amendments to expand the Trust Act to allow local authorities to cooperate with ICE regarding all convicted felon illegal aliens and those charged with serious offenses, both amendments failed along party lines.

“These individuals who are convicted of serious crimes are being protected in the state of Connecticut,” Sen. Fazio said of the recent vote shutting down the proposed amendments.

Republican Sen. Stephen Harding shared similar frustrations regarding the legislative move, saying, “You’re protecting criminals. In many cases, the individuals who are going to the courthouse are facing charges, in some cases, violent crime. And you’re telling me that we’re going to keep these individuals in the country and keep ICE away from them. I mean, what logical policy is that?”

The Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus issued a joint statement on social media following the November 13th vote, which reads, “[Connecticut] Democrats made it clear tonight that they would rather protect illegal criminals than support the rights and safety of law-abiding citizens. Our amendments would have allowed law enforcement to cooperate with ICE when dealing with convicted felons and those arrested for serious violent felonies. Democrats voted them down.”