As at least one Fairfield County school district has issued immigration safety guidelines, the ACLU of Connecticut sent a letter to Gov. Ned Lamont and state lawmakers asking to strengthen the Trust Act.
These actions followed newly inaugurated President Donald Trump’s executive orders concerning immigration that would allow ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents to enter schools and churches to arrest and deport illegal immigrants. Bridgeport Public Schools released guidelines for staff and parents about what to do if ICE agents arrive at any of the districts more than 30 schools.
“Bridgeport Public Schools is dedicated to fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students and staff,” according to a school district statement. It listed visitor protocol, immigration enforcement restrictions, and student policy protections.
According to the guidelines, the school district states “all visitors must report to the main office, provide valid identification, and state a legitimate purpose for their visit. Unauthorized individuals will not be granted access.”
It continued: “Federal immigration activities are strictly prohibited on Bridgeport Public Schools property, transportation routs, or during school activities without prior approval from the superintendent. No ICE agents or government officials can enter school buildings, buses, or attend school events without prior authorization.”
The guidelines letter goes on to tell staff what to do if ICE officers show up to schools. They include:
- Secure the premises
- Meet the officer at the entrance
- Request officer information
- Contact the superintendent’s office
- Not to physically interfere.
Two days after President Trump inked the executive orders a multifaceted coalition of advocates in Connecticut led by the American Civil Liberties Union are demanding the legislature and policymakers strengthen the state’s immigration statute.
That letter, penned by 21 organizations, calls on the state legislature and Gov. Lamont to prioritize strengthening the Trust Act in the 2025 legislative session. It states, “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,” the letter states regarding action taken Jan. 23. “This is an important step toward ensuring Connecticut protects immigrant families and communities from harmful and destabilizing federal policies.”
However, state House Republicans filed legislation that would make it easier for law enforcement officers to communicate with federal immigration officials and detain illegal aliens charged with felony crimes, domestic violence or terrorism.
“Connecticut’s sanctuary state policies present a significant public safety concern by shielding illegal aliens who commit crimes,” state Rep. Vincent Candelora, a Republican leader. “From decisions by the Department of Correction and Board of Pardons and Paroles to restrictions on local law enforcement’s communication with federal immigration officials, many residents believe the pendulum has swung too far from common sense. It’s time to confront this issue, and we urge our colleagues to join us in this important conversation and take action to protect our communities.”
