The TRUST Act, passed in Connecticut and other states, has led to ongoing concerns among law enforcement officers and community members who argue it adds additional risks to America's communities.
It also prevents local police from holding individuals solely based on federal immigration detainer requests unless additional conditions are met.
Officers say this can result in the release of dangerous individuals, while also creating legal risks for departments uncertain about when cooperation with federal authorities is permitted.
Some agencies have warned that the TRUST Act creates confusion by forcing officers to interpret complex rules on what qualifies as a serious felony or whether a judicial warrant applies. The result leaves agencies open to lawsuits and politicized scrutiny.
Others note that expanding exceptions to the law, such as cases involving sexual assault, burglary with a firearm, or injury to a child, only adds to concerns of checking whether an arrest qualifies under the statute.
To make matters worse, the expansion of the TRUST Act with the passage of House Bill 7529 in Connecticut, allows “any aggrieved person” to seek an injunction against municipalities or their agents—including police officers and school employees—for reporting illegal immigrants.
One potential solution to these challenges is technology that allows for anonymous reporting. The See It Send It mobile app provides a way for both officers and community members to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
The See It Send It app allows users to submit reports, photos, or other documentation directly and confidentially.
“Too often, people see something wrong but stay silent because they’re afraid of losing their job, facing retaliation, or being singled out,” said See It Send It CEO Dan Kerning. “Our mission is to remove that fear. See It Send It provides every person, from officers in the field to everyday community members, a safe and confidential way to raise a red flag. When reports can be instantly shared without risk, leaders can act faster and solve problems, making communities safer.”
Kerning started See It Send It after companies asked him to help make communication and safety better for their employees. As a former Naval Flight Officer, he saw it as an opportunity to use his experience to provide better communication tools.
Law enforcement leaders say tools like See It Send It could play a much better role than the complexities of laws like the TRUST Act. By providing a safe and transparent way to document problems, the app offers a path to greater accountability while reinforcing trust between police and the communities they serve.
Check out the online platform See It Send It, the real-time platform where public safety officials can watch, report, and respond to unfolding events in their community.
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