Op-Ed: Expanding the TRUST Act Puts Political Ideology Ahead of Public Safety

From the Desk of Rep. Mastrofrancesco:

Connecticut has once again found itself debating an issue that highlights just how far the majority party in Hartford is willing to go to prioritize political ideology over public safety and the rule of law. Lawmakers are now discussing expanding the already controversial TRUST Act - a move that would further limit cooperation between our state and federal immigration authorities, including ICE.

Let us be clear: the TRUST Act already prevents our local and state police from honoring federal detainer requests in most cases. That means if someone is here illegally and has been arrested for a crime, local law enforcement cannot notify ICE unless that person has been convicted of one of a limited list of serious offenses. Democrat lawmakers have been vague on their intentions, but any expansion of this law would take an already flawed policy and make it even easier for dangerous individuals to avoid federal authorities. That is not protecting families – that is putting them at risk.

Democrats, who are in the majority in the Senate and House, who support this expansion argue it is about “protecting immigrants.” But that is a misleading talking point. The reality is that expanding the TRUST Act protects criminals who are in our country illegally - not hardworking, law-abiding immigrants who follow the rules and contribute positively to their communities. It is a disservice to every legal immigrant who came here the right way and respects our laws.

We have seen the consequences of soft-on-crime policies before. Whether it is reduced bail, early release programs, or limiting cooperation with federal law enforcement, the result is always the same: less accountability and more risk to our neighborhoods. Connecticut families want to feel safe when they go to work, send their kids to school, or walk down the street, not wonder whether someone who should have been turned over to ICE was instead released back into the community because of a political decision in Hartford.

I support laws that treat people with fairness and dignity. But compassion without responsibility is dangerous. When someone commits a violent crime, their immigration status should not shield them from consequences or from being turned over to the federal authorities responsible for enforcing immigration law. Our local police officers are here to keep our communities safe - not to defy federal law because politicians at the Capitol think they know better than law enforcement.

It is also troubling that these discussions are happening in the context of a special session, with little transparency or public input. This is exactly the kind of backroom legislating that erodes public trust. Before changing laws that affect public safety, lawmakers should be listening to victims, law enforcement, and community members - not just activist groups and advocacy organizations with political agendas.

We all agree that no one should live in fear of going to court to report a crime to police or to pay a fine. But expanding the TRUST Act goes far beyond that - it ties the hands of law enforcement and sends the message that Connecticut is willing to ignore federal law when it is politically convenient. That is not leadership; it is recklessness.

Connecticut is struggling with affordability, high taxes, and the departure of families and businesses. Yet, instead of focusing on making our state more affordable and restoring trust in government, the majority continues to push divisive policies that make our communities less safe.

The federal government has the responsibility to enforce immigration laws. The state’s role should be to cooperate where necessary, not obstruct. When we start dictating to federal authorities what they can and cannot do, we go down a very slippery slope that undermines both the rule of law and public safety.

An expansion of the act sends the wrong message to law enforcement, to victims, and to every Connecticut resident who simply wants a safe community. I will continue to stand with those who believe in accountability, common sense, and respect for the law because that is what it takes to truly protect our communities.

-Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco