Rep. Polletta Supports Police, Votes Against Expansion of Trust Act
State Representative Joe Polletta (R-68) last night voted against legislation that severely limits the power of law enforcement to protect Connecticut citizens and requires they ignore federal immigration detainers for individuals who could pose risks to public safety unless those federal orders are accompanied by judicial warrants, or have been convicted of certain felonies.
“I will not support legislation that neuters local law enforcement’s ability to protect Connecticut citizens and prevents them from working in cooperation with federal immigration officials,” Rep. Polletta said. “This bill puts the rights of criminals ahead of legal residents and effectively turns Connecticut into a sanctuary state.”
Greatly expanding on a 2013 law known as the Trust Act, SB 1115 makes substantial changes to current law and prohibits law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining someone with a civil immigration detainer unless it is accompanied by a judicial warrant, the individual has been convicted of a class A or B felony or is identified as a possible match in the federal Terrorist Screening Database, among other changes.
In 2013, Governor Malloy signed the Trust Act into law and gave undocumented immigrants confidence that they wouldn’t be exposed to federal immigration scrutiny if they chose to report a crime or assist local police in an investigation. Tonight’s legislation eviscerates that previous law and extends protections to individuals, including undocumented immigrants identified as gang members in a federal database or those already subject to a final deportation order.
“Unfortunately, this legislation will undermine legal Connecticut residents’ trust in government, while the illegal immigrants and criminals who now enjoy greater protections from prosecution are free to do as they please with little fear of reprisal,” Rep. Polletta said.
The measure previously passed the State Senate and now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk for action. The legislative session ends at midnight on Wednesday, June 5.