More than 20 Organizations Representing a Wide Ranging Coalition Applauds Judiciary Committee, Decries Excessive, Divisive Politicization of Immigration
CONNECTICUT — Two days after President Trump inked a slew of executive orders concerning immigration on his Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C., a broad, multifaceted coalition of dedicated advocates in Connecticut are demanding the legislature and policymakers strengthen the Trust Act, the state’s immigration statute.
The group also calls for an end to excessive politicization of the state’s immigration statute, and praised the Judiciary Committee for passing the concept today in Hartford.
Text of the letter is below:
We are a group of organizations advocating for immigrants’ rights.
We call on the state legislature and Governor Lamont to prioritize strengthening the Trust Act in the 2025 legislative session. This vital law ensures that state and local law enforcement are not used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to further its destabilizing and inhumane agenda.
We commend the Judiciary Committee for raising the concept of strengthening The Trust Act today in committee. This is an important step toward ensuring Connecticut protects immigrant families and communities from harmful and destabilizing federal policies.
By advancing this discussion, the committee is demonstrating its commitment to fairness, justice, and the well-being of all residents in our state.
Unfortunately, some have politicized immigration by focusing on isolated incidents to advance divisive narratives. This harmful approach stigmatizes immigrant communities and distracts from the broader issue: ICE’s use as a political weapon to create fear, destabilize families, and divide our state.
Connecticut must reject these divisive tactics. State and local law enforcement have a duty to serve all residents, focusing on building healthy, inclusive communities.
We urge lawmakers and Governor Lamont to take bold, proactive steps to strengthen the Trust Act and protect the rights of immigrant families.
The time to act is now.
Signed,
32BJ
ACLU of Connecticut
African American Society #024
Asylum & Human Rights Clinic
Building One Community
Center for Children's Advocacy
City of New Haven LGBTQ Youth Task Force
Citywide Youth Coalition
Connecticut Legal Services
CT Students for a Dream (C4D)
Connecticut Shoreline Indivisible
CRIW -The Collective for Refugee & Immigrant Women’s Wellbeing
Greater Hartford Legal Aid (GHLA)
Hartford Deportation Defense
Make the Road CT
New Haven Federation of Teachers
New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc.
Partnership for Strong Communities
She Leads Justice
Unidad Latina en Acción
Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut
