SENATOR CABRERA VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR CABRERA VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Sue ICE agents in state court for violating your rights, ban masks, give AG and IG broad new powers; Bill also addresses responsible use of license plate readers

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today joined his Democratic state Senate colleagues in debating and passing Senate Bill 397, “AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY,” that could help reduce in Connecticut some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

The bill passed on a purely partisan 24-10 vote, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Most all of its provisions take effect immediately.

SENATOR KUSHNER VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR KUSHNER VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Sue ICE agents in state court, ban masks, give AG and IG broad new powers; Bill also addresses responsible use of license plate readers

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today joined her Democratic state Senate colleagues in debating and passing Senate Bill 397, “AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY,” that could help reduce in Connecticut some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

The bill passed on a purely partisan 24-10 vote, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Most all of its provisions take effect immediately.

“My family and I have had a wonderful, wonderful life in Danbury for more than 30 years. Our friends come from so many different countries, from Ecuador, from the Dominican Republic, from Puerto Rico, from Thailand, from Vietnam. We have an incredibly rich immigrant story in Danbury,” said Sen. Kushner. “But their story is not the immigration story of our grandparents. That’s not the experience immigrants have today. What has changed is the persecution, the terror, of the people in my community. When would we ever think it’s okay for people who are in law enforcement to wear masks? When would we think it’s okay for them to come and grab people off the street? This isn’t the United States that I grew up in. I want to do something to change that. With this bill, it’s clear that we’re standing with the people, the good people, the honest people, the Latinos in our community, we’re standing with them. We’re saying, ‘We’re not gonna let them do this to you anymore’.”

In May 2025, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered ICE to arrest up to 3,000 immigrants every day. Since then, rogue federal ICE agents have mounted an unprecedented national fear campaign of attacks on American citizens – including murder, kidnappings, assaults, violations of Constitutional rights, the vilification of all immigrants, and the politicized enforcement of the law.

Senate Bill 397 was first introduced in the Judiciary Committee on March 3, and had its public hearing on March 9, generating nearly 350 pieces of written testimony and 166 speakers during the 12.5-hour public hearing. The bill was widely supported, particularly by religious institutions.

S.B. 397:

Creates a private right of action in state court to sue federal, state, and local government actors when a person’s Constitutional rights are violated. This so-called “Converse-1983” provision is a term coined in 1987 that will allow court actions not currently available today against federal agents.
Allows the state Attorney General to take swift action to seek an injunction or declaratory relief, and damages, when federal, state, or local government agents are violating a person’s constitutional right. With court approval, the state Attorney General could acquire a temporary injunction in five days or less for ongoing violations or a policy that would violate a person’s Constitutional rights.
Clarifies that the state Inspector General can investigate and prosecute state, local, and some federal agents for the unauthorized use of deadly force. The bill also gives the IG clear and unrestricted access to a crime scene when law enforcement uses deadly force, or when a person dies from the use of force, and allows for a temporary injunction allowing the IG access to investigate and collect evidence.
Prohibits all law enforcement officers — federal, state, local — from covering their faces, albeit with some exceptions. The bill also requires them to wear a badge or name tag.
Prohibits law enforcement — federal, state, or local — from arresting someone for a civil offense in a protected area, unless there is a judicial warrant. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.
Eliminates a law enforcement officer’s immunity if they violate a person’s right to record law enforcement while committing assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution.
Prevents law enforcement officers with less than 480 hours of training from becoming police officers in Connecticut (federal ICE officers receive about 376 hours of training).

S.B. 397 also tackles the growth of government use (not just by law enforcement) of automated license plate reader systems (ALPR) to ensure that driver data is being handled in a responsible way and not abused by those with bad intent. The bill allows ALPRs to be used for license plates on a “hot list,” but data cannot be held for more than 21 days without an active criminal investigation. License plate data cannot be used to determine race/ethnicity; any activity protected under the First Amendment; suspected immigration status; reproductive health care or gender affirming care; and it protects facilities that provide the above from having a fixed ALPR near them so that patients cannot be tracked for receiving care.

###

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SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 14, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT
Sue ICE agents in federal court, ban masks, give AG and IG broad new powers; Bill also addresses responsible use of license plate readers

HARTFORD – State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today joined his Democratic state Senate colleagues in voting to advance Senate Bill 397, “AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY.” That bill could help Connecticut reduce and prevent some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

“An outright terror campaign against immigrants has led to dozens of deaths, hundreds of U.S. citizens arrested and detained, tens of thousands of people ripped from their homes without criminal records. It’s instilled a fear into communities across our state that is crippling and cruel,” said Sen. Anwar. “Today, the Senate takes vital and important action to protect Connecticut residents from this brazen overreach. We’re taking action to make sure federal law enforcement has to follow the same rules that state and local police do. We’re making sure our local residents who are mistreated have recourse against those mistreating them. Against a backdrop of lawless violence and widespread discrimination, this bill tells Connecticut residents their safety is paramount.”

For more than a year, rogue federal ICE agents have mounted an unprecedented national fear campaign of attacks on American citizens – including murder, kidnappings, assaults, violations of Constitutional rights, the vilification of all immigrants, and the politicized enforcement of the law.
Senate Bill 397 was first introduced in the Judiciary Committee on March 3, and had its public hearing on March 9, generating nearly 350 pieces of written testimony and 166 speakers during the 12.5-hour public hearing. The bill was widely supported, particularly by religious institutions.

S.B. 397:

Creates a private right of action in state court to sue federal, state, and local government actors when a person’s Constitutional rights are violated. This so-called “Converse-1983” provision is a term coined in 1987 that will allow court actions not currently available today against federal agents.
Allows the state Attorney General to take swift action to seek an injunction or declaratory relief, and damages, when federal, state, or local government agents are violating a person’s constitutional right. With court approval, the state Attorney General could acquire a temporary injunction in five days or less for ongoing violations or a policy that would violate a person’s Constitutional rights.
Clarifies that the state Inspector General can investigate and prosecute state, local, and some federal agents for the unauthorized use of deadly force. The bill also gives the IG clear and unrestricted access to a crime scene when law enforcement uses deadly force, or when a person dies from the use of force, and allows for a temporary injunction allowing the IG access to investigate and collect evidence.
Prohibits all law enforcement officers — federal, state, local — from covering their faces, albeit with some exceptions. The bill also requires them to wear a badge or name tag.
Prohibits law enforcement — federal, state, or local — from arresting someone for a civil offense in a protected area, unless there is a judicial warrant. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.
Eliminates a law enforcement officer’s immunity if they violate a person’s right to record law enforcement while committing assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution.
Prevents law enforcement officers with less than 480 hours of training from becoming police officers in Connecticut (federal ICE officers receive about 376 hours of training).

S.B. 397 also tackles the growth of government use, not just by law enforcement, of automated license plate reader systems (ALPR) to ensure that driver data is being handled in a responsible way and not abused by those with bad intent. The bill allows ALPRs to be used for license plates on a “hot list,” but data cannot be held for more than 21 days without an active criminal investigation. License plate data cannot be used to determine race/ethnicity; any activity protected under the First Amendment; suspected immigration status; reproductive health care or gender affirming care; and it protects facilities that provide the above from having a fixed ALPR near them so that patients cannot be tracked for receiving care.

S.B. 397 now heads to the House of Representatives to be debated and passed and then signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont. Most of its provisions take effect immediately.

###

Senator Cohen Backs Bill Putting Guardrails on ICE in Connecticut

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Cohen Backs Bill Putting Guardrails on ICE in Connecticut

HARTFORD – Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) today joined her Democratic state Senate colleagues in passing Senate Bill 397, legislation that could help reduce in Connecticut some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

The ICE bill creates a pathway – often referred to as a ‘converse-1983 action’ – for Connecticut citizens to sue ICE agents in state court if their Constitutional rights have been violated.

“What we have witnessed from ICE agents across this country is a systematic campaign of fear targeting not just undocumented immigrants, but American citizens whose only offense was being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Senator Cohen said. “Connecticut has an obligation to give our residents the legal tools to hold those agents accountable when they violate Constitutional rights, because the Trump administration has made clear it will not do so itself. Today’s vote says plainly that in our state, no one, not even a federal agent, is above the law.”

S.B. 397:

Creates a private right of action in state court to sue federal, state, and local government actors when a person’s Constitutional rights are violated. This so-called “Converse-1983” provision is a term coined in 1987 that will allow court actions not currently available today against federal agents.
Allows the state Attorney General to take swift action to seek an injunction or declaratory relief, and damages, when federal, state, or local government agents are violating a person’s constitutional right. With court approval, the state Attorney General could acquire a temporary injunction in five days or less for ongoing violations or a policy that would violate a person’s Constitutional rights.
Clarifies that the state Inspector General can investigate and prosecute state, local, and some federal agents for the unauthorized use of deadly force. The bill also gives the IG clear and unrestricted access to a crime scene when law enforcement uses deadly force, or when a person dies from the use of force, and allows for a temporary injunction allowing the IG access to investigate and collect evidence.
Prohibits all law enforcement officers — federal, state, local — from covering their faces, albeit with some exceptions. The bill also requires them to wear a badge or name tag.
Prohibits law enforcement — federal, state, or local — from arresting someone for a civil offense in a protected area, unless there is a judicial warrant. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.
Eliminates a law enforcement officer’s immunity if they violate a person’s right to record law enforcement while committing assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution.
Prevents law enforcement officers with less than 480 hours of training from becoming police officers in Connecticut (federal ICE officers receive about 376 hours of training).

S.B. 397 now heads to the House of Representatives to be debated and passed and then signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont. Most of its provisions take effect immediately.

SENATOR MARX VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MARX VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Sue ICE agents in state court, ban masks, give AG and IG broad new powers; Bill also addresses responsible use of license plate readers

HARTFORD – State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today joined her Democratic state Senate colleagues in voting to advance Senate Bill 397, “AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY.” That bill could help Connecticut reduce and prevent some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

“The last 15 months have been a horror show with federal agents brutalizing, detaining, even killing innocent people and American citizens. Amid a culture of lawlessness, we have the moral imperative to take action and protect our constituents,” said Sen. Marx. “This bill tells ICE agents they need to follow the same rules other law enforcement officers in Connecticut do. It puts important steps in place to hold federal agents who violate the Constitution accountable. We’re taking a necessary step to tell our state’s residents that we have their backs.”

S.B. 397:

Creates a private right of action in state court to sue federal, state, and local government actors when a person’s Constitutional rights are violated. This so-called “Converse-1983” provision is a term coined in 1987 that will allow court actions not currently available today against federal agents.
Allows the state Attorney General to take swift action to seek an injunction or declaratory relief, and damages, when federal, state, or local government agents are violating a person’s constitutional right. With court approval, the state Attorney General could acquire a temporary injunction in five days or less for ongoing violations or a policy that would violate a person’s Constitutional rights.
Clarifies that the state Inspector General can investigate and prosecute state, local, and some federal agents for the unauthorized use of deadly force. The bill also gives the IG clear and unrestricted access to a crime scene when law enforcement uses deadly force, or when a person dies from the use of force, and allows for a temporary injunction allowing the IG access to investigate and collect evidence.
Prohibits all law enforcement officers — federal, state, local — from covering their faces, albeit with some exceptions. The bill also requires them to wear a badge or name tag.
Prohibits law enforcement — federal, state, or local — from arresting someone for a civil offense in a protected area, unless there is a judicial warrant. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.
Eliminates a law enforcement officer’s immunity if they violate a person’s right to record law enforcement while committing assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution.
Prevents law enforcement officers with less than 480 hours of training from becoming police officers in Connecticut (federal ICE officers receive about 376 hours of training).

S.B. 397 now heads to the House of Representatives to be debated and passed and then signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont. Most of its provisions take effect immediately.

###

SENATOR MAHER VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MAHER VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Sue ICE agents in federal court, ban masks, give AG and IG broad new powers; Bill also addresses responsible use of license plate readers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

HARTFORD – State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) today joined her Democratic state Senate colleagues in voting to advance Senate Bill 397, “AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY.” That bill could help Connecticut reduce and prevent some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

“We’ve watched in horror as courthouses, businesses and even city streets have become targets for ICE agents to go after immigrants – regardless of legal status, regardless of criminal record, discriminating against valued members of our communities,” said Sen. Maher. “This lawlessness must be met with action. Connecticut lawmakers are dedicated to protecting our state’s residents and providing restitution when they’re mistreated. Federal law enforcement needs to follow the same rules that our state and local police do. Today, we’re making sure that happens.”

S.B. 397:

Creates a private right of action in state court to sue federal, state, and local government actors when a person’s Constitutional rights are violated. This so-called “Converse-1983” provision is a term coined in 1987 that will allow court actions not currently available today against federal agents.
Allows the state Attorney General to take swift action to seek an injunction or declaratory relief, and damages, when federal, state, or local government agents are violating a person’s constitutional right. With court approval, the state Attorney General could acquire a temporary injunction in five days or less for ongoing violations or a policy that would violate a person’s Constitutional rights.
Clarifies that the state Inspector General can investigate and prosecute state, local, and some federal agents for the unauthorized use of deadly force. The bill also gives the IG clear and unrestricted access to a crime scene when law enforcement uses deadly force, or when a person dies from the use of force, and allows for a temporary injunction allowing the IG access to investigate and collect evidence.
Prohibits all law enforcement officers — federal, state, local — from covering their faces, albeit with some exceptions. The bill also requires them to wear a badge or name tag.
Prohibits law enforcement — federal, state, or local — from arresting someone for a civil offense in a protected area, unless there is a judicial warrant. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.
Eliminates a law enforcement officer’s immunity if they violate a person’s right to record law enforcement while committing assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution.
Prevents law enforcement officers with less than 480 hours of training from becoming police officers in Connecticut (federal ICE officers receive about 376 hours of training).

S.B. 397 now heads to the House of Representatives to be debated and passed and then signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont. Almost all its provisions take effect immediately.

###

Senator MD Rahman Votes to Pass Bill Reining in ICE Abuses in Connecticut

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator MD Rahman Votes to Pass Bill Reining in ICE Abuses in Connecticut

HARTFORD – Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester), Senate Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, today joined his Democratic state Senate colleagues in passing Senate Bill 397, legislation that could help reduce in Connecticut some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

The ICE bill creates a pathway, often referred to as a “converse-1983 action,” for Connecticut citizens to sue ICE agents in state court if their Constitutional rights have been violated.

“As an immigrant myself, I know firsthand what it means to build a life in this country and to trust that the law will treat you with dignity and fairness,” Senator Rahman said. “What we have seen from federal ICE agents across this country, the warrantless arrests, the masked agents, the violation of basic Constitutional rights, is an assault on everything this country is supposed to stand for. This bill gives Connecticut residents a real path to justice and sends a clear message that we will not stand by while those rights are trampled.”

In May 2025, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered ICE to arrest up to 3,000 immigrants every day. Since then, rogue federal ICE agents have mounted an unprecedented national fear campaign of attacks on American citizens, including murder, kidnappings, assaults, violations of Constitutional rights, the vilification of all immigrants, and the politicized enforcement of the law.

S.B. 397:

Creates a private right of action in state court to sue federal, state, and local government actors when a person’s Constitutional rights are violated. This so-called “Converse-1983” provision is a term coined in 1987 that will allow court actions not currently available today against federal agents.
Allows the state Attorney General to take swift action to seek an injunction or declaratory relief, and damages, when federal, state, or local government agents are violating a person’s constitutional right. With court approval, the state Attorney General could acquire a temporary injunction in five days or less for ongoing violations or a policy that would violate a person’s Constitutional rights.
Clarifies that the state Inspector General can investigate and prosecute state, local, and some federal agents for the unauthorized use of deadly force. The bill also gives the IG clear and unrestricted access to a crime scene when law enforcement uses deadly force, or when a person dies from the use of force, and allows for a temporary injunction allowing the IG access to investigate and collect evidence.
Prohibits all law enforcement officers, federal, state, and local, from covering their faces, albeit with some exceptions. The bill also requires them to wear a badge or name tag.
Prohibits law enforcement, federal, state, or local, from arresting someone for a civil offense in a protected area, unless there is a judicial warrant. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.
Eliminates a law enforcement officer’s immunity if they violate a person’s right to record law enforcement while committing assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution.
Prevents law enforcement officers with less than 480 hours of training from becoming police officers in Connecticut (federal ICE officers receive about 376 hours of training).

S.B. 397 also tackles the growth of government use of automated license plate reader systems (ALPR) to ensure that driver data is being handled in a responsible way and not abused by those with bad intent. The bill allows ALPRs to be used for license plates on a “hot list,” but data cannot be held for more than 21 days without an active criminal investigation. License plate data cannot be used to determine race/ethnicity; any activity protected under the First Amendment; suspected immigration status; reproductive health care or gender affirming care; and it protects facilities that provide the above from having a fixed ALPR near them so that patients cannot be tracked for receiving care.

S.B. 397 now heads to the House of Representatives to be debated and passed and then signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont. Most of its provisions take effect immediately.

Senator Miller Votes for Connecticut Bill Cracking Down on ICE Misconduct

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Miller Votes for Connecticut Bill Cracking Down on ICE Misconduct

HARTFORD – Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford) today joined her Democratic state Senate colleagues in passing Senate Bill 397, legislation that could help reduce in Connecticut some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

The ICE bill creates a pathway – often referred to as a ‘converse-1983 action’ – for Connecticut citizens to sue ICE agents in state court if their Constitutional rights have been violated.

“This bill creates real legal recourse for Connecticut residents whose Constitutional rights are violated by federal agents who have operated with little fear of accountability,” Senator Miller said. “We have seen what happens in other states when ICE acts without consequence, and the Trump administration has made clear it will not hold these agents responsible for their conduct. Connecticut is drawing a clear line with this vote, and it reflects who we are as a democracy and how we protect the rights and dignity of every person in our communities.”

Creates a private right of action in state court to sue federal, state, and local government actors when a person’s Constitutional rights are violated. This so-called “Converse-1983” provision is a term coined in 1987 that will allow court actions not currently available today against federal agents.
Allows the state Attorney General to take swift action to seek an injunction or declaratory relief, and damages, when federal, state, or local government agents are violating a person’s constitutional right. With court approval, the state Attorney General could acquire a temporary injunction in five days or less for ongoing violations or a policy that would violate a person’s Constitutional rights.
Clarifies that the state Inspector General can investigate and prosecute state, local, and some federal agents for the unauthorized use of deadly force. The bill also gives the IG clear and unrestricted access to a crime scene when law enforcement uses deadly force, or when a person dies from the use of force, and allows for a temporary injunction allowing the IG access to investigate and collect evidence.
Prohibits all law enforcement officers — federal, state, local — from covering their faces, albeit with some exceptions. The bill also requires them to wear a badge or name tag.
Prohibits law enforcement — federal, state, or local — from arresting someone for a civil offense in a protected area, unless there is a judicial warrant. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.
Eliminates a law enforcement officer’s immunity if they violate a person’s right to record law enforcement while committing assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution.
Prevents law enforcement officers with less than 480 hours of training from becoming police officers in Connecticut (federal ICE officers receive about 376 hours of training).

S.B. 397 now heads to the House of Representatives to be debated and passed and then signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont. Most of its provisions take effect immediately.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN VOTES TO PASS BILL REINING IN ICE ABUSES IN CONNECTICUT

Sue ICE agents in state court, ban masks, give AG and IG broad new powers; Bill also addresses responsible use of license plate readers

HARTFORD – State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today joined his Democratic state Senate colleagues in voting to advance Senate Bill 397, “AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY.” That bill could help Connecticut reduce and prevent some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

“Immigration enforcement in the last year across the nation, and in Connecticut, conjures a number of disturbing images,” said Sen. Needleman. “Violence in courthouses, kidnappings off the street, dozens of deaths in ICE custody including two U.S. citizens killed in high definition for the world to see. It’s beyond unacceptable and borders on morally abhorrent. Today’s action is meant to provide some security to Connecticut residents that we have their back. We’re putting into place new protections for state residents that simply guarantee federal agents should be treated like all other peace officers. No one should be above accountability.”

For more than a year, rogue federal ICE agents have mounted an unprecedented national fear campaign of attacks on American citizens – including murder, kidnappings, assaults, violations of Constitutional rights, the vilification of all immigrants, and the politicized enforcement of the law.

Senate Bill 397 was first introduced in the Judiciary Committee on March 3, and had its public hearing on March 9, generating nearly 350 pieces of written testimony and 166 speakers during the 12.5-hour public hearing. The bill was widely supported, particularly by religious institutions.

S.B. 397:

Creates a private right of action in state court to sue federal, state, and local government actors when a person’s Constitutional rights are violated. This so-called “Converse-1983” provision is a term coined in 1987 that will allow court actions not currently available today against federal agents.
Allows the state Attorney General to take swift action to seek an injunction or declaratory relief, and damages, when federal, state, or local government agents are violating a person’s constitutional right. With court approval, the state Attorney General could acquire a temporary injunction in five days or less for ongoing violations or a policy that would violate a person’s Constitutional rights.
Clarifies that the state Inspector General can investigate and prosecute state, local, and some federal agents for the unauthorized use of deadly force. The bill also gives the IG clear and unrestricted access to a crime scene when law enforcement uses deadly force, or when a person dies from the use of force, and allows for a temporary injunction allowing the IG access to investigate and collect evidence.
Prohibits all law enforcement officers — federal, state, local — from covering their faces, albeit with some exceptions. The bill also requires them to wear a badge or name tag.
Prohibits law enforcement — federal, state, or local — from arresting someone for a civil offense in a protected area, unless there is a judicial warrant. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.
Eliminates a law enforcement officer’s immunity if they violate a person’s right to record law enforcement while committing assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution.
Prevents law enforcement officers with less than 480 hours of training from becoming police officers in Connecticut (federal ICE officers receive about 376 hours of training).

###

Sen. Winfield on ICE: “Other People’s Experiences Matter”

Posted on April 14, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Winfield Delivers Passionate, Personal Speech on Need to Rein in ICE

During Senate floor debate on Senate Bill 397, “An Act Concerning Democracy and Government Accountability,” state Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) delivered a passionate speech drawing on personal experience, community trust, and the constitutional stakes of federal immigration enforcement in Connecticut.

“I’m here to tell you other people’s experiences matter. And yes, I represent New Haven and West Haven, but as I have said many, many times, I’m a member of the circle. So all of those experiences are important. The mixture of experiences are important. And reality is not my reality or your reality. Reality is where our realities meet, and when our realities meet, things like this come about.”

Watch the video here.

Full transcript of Senator Winfield’s floor remarks: