Connecticut Passes Bold Civil Rights Bill on ICE

It's May 1st, Hartford News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story.

Connecticut lawmakers just passed a bold new civil rights bill letting state residents

sue federal ICE agents for alleged violations. The measure, which cleared the House 91-53

and the Senate 24-10, also bans masks for federal, state, and local. Officers, except for

bomb squads and a few other specialized teams. Democrats drove it through on strict party lines

while Republicans called it unconstitutional under the supremacy clause. The debate stretched

over two days, kicking off with five hours Thursday night before they paused past 10.30 p.m.

to wrap up Friday. Inspired by ICE's aggressive tactics and shootings during protests,

backers say it protects folks in everyday spots like courthouses and hospitals.

It even limits arrests in sensitive areas such as schools, churches, shelters, and food banks.

Democrats like Rep. Stephen Staffstrom argue it's essential against Washington policies

turning agents into threats while Governor Ned Lamont vows to. Signed October 1st, blasting

ice for following violence. Republicans, including ex-cop rep Greg Howard, fired back that it unfairly

lumps in local police and ignores federal authority on immigration. One rep wore an ice

in jacket to push for more cooperation. The bill adds rules on license plate readers,

no data kept over 21 days without a crime probe, and none near abortion clinics. Similar laws

exist in California, which has had one over 30 years, plus main Massachusetts, New Jersey,

and Illinois, with more pending. Elsewhere, expect federal pushback soon, especially after the

Trump admins recent sanctuary city lawsuit against Connecticut. This sets up a real court room

clash over state power versus feds, keeping the immigration fight front and center.