The Evolution of Connecticut's Trust Act
First enacted in 2013, the Trust Act aimed to limit local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Early controversies, such as the Danbury courthouse raid in 2006 and New Haven arrests in 2007, spurred legislative action.
Subsequent expansions in 2019 clarified definitions of “detainer requests” and “information sharing.” The 2025 amendments build on this foundation, enhancing accountability and ensuring statewide uniformity.
What's New: 2025 Amendment Highlights
Civil Lawsuit Provisions
The cornerstone of the 2025 changes is the right to file civil lawsuits. Under H.B. 7212, individuals can seek compensatory damages and attorney’s fees when a municipality or employee violates Trust Act provisions.
Legal Accountability Measures
- • Monetary damages for affected individuals
- • Recovery of legal fees for successful plaintiffs
- • Municipal liability for employee noncompliance
- • Mandatory annual training on immigration cooperation
Expanded Coverage
The 2025 amendments explicitly include:
- State prosecutors and Division of Criminal Justice employees
- Juvenile probation officers
- Board of Pardons and Paroles members
- Town marshals and constables
Additional Crimes for ICE Cooperation
To balance protections with public safety, the law adds 13 new offenses allowing ICE detainers or notifications:
New Qualifying Offenses Include:
- • Sexual assault (2nd & 3rd degree)
- • Child endangerment offenses
- • Possession of child porn material
- • Burglary with firearm
- • Strangulation (Assault 2nd degree)
- • Domestic violence assault
- • Violation of protective order
- • Injury to a child (2nd degree)
- • Kidnapping
- • Robbery (1st & 2nd degree)
How Law Enforcement Interactions with ICE Have Changed
Under the updated Act, agencies must follow strict protocols before honoring ICE requests. General detainers without judicial warrants are prohibited. Learn more in our detailed guide to permitted cooperation.
Permitted ICE Cooperation
Compliance is allowed only if:
- Judicial Warrant: Valid ICE warrant signed by judge[ICE guidelines]
- Terror Screening: Subject on terrorism watchlists
- Serious Felony Convictions: Class A/B felonies such as murder, kidnapping
- New Qualifying Crimes: Conviction for any of the 13 listed offenses
Prohibited Activities
The Act explicitly bars:
- Holding individuals beyond scheduled release solely for immigration detainers
- Sharing nonpublic data (e.g., home address) without legal process
- Using agency resources to track immigration status
- Arresting for civil immigration violations
Immigrant Rights Under the Trust Act
Connecticut affirms that all persons retain constitutional rights, irrespective of status. Key protections include due process, Fourth Amendment safeguards, and right to counsel.
Trust Act–Specific Protections
During Police Encounters
- Right to remain silent
- Right to speak with an attorney
- Protection from warrantless searches
Act-Specific Rights
- Notification if ICE requests custody
- No prolonged holds for civil detainers
- Civil lawsuit remedies[see procedure]
New Civil Remedy Process
Effective October 1, 2025, affected individuals can file suit under 2025 Major Public Acts. Required elements:
Civil Lawsuit Requirements:
- Standing: Proof of direct harm
- Liability: Municipality responsible for employee acts
- Remedies: Compensatory damages + attorney’s fees
- Burden of Proof: Preponderance of evidence
Impact on Community Safety and Trust
Studies show trust-based policies boost public safety. A 2024 report by the Vera Institute found sanctuary policies correlate with 17 percent reductions in violent crime reports as immigrants are more likely to cooperate[Vera Institute].
- Increased crime reporting by immigrant communities
- Stronger neighborhood–police partnerships
- Better allocation of local law enforcement resources
- Improved public health & emergency response engagement
Current Enforcement Landscape
Despite state limits, federal operations persist. ICE’s “Operation Broken Trust” in August 2025 led to 65 arrests statewide[ICE], prompting concerns over courthouse detentions.
Important Disclaimer
The Trust Act does not bar independent ICE actions. Federal agents retain authority to execute warrants and detain individuals under federal law.
Practical Implications for Immigrants
Knowing your rights can prevent rights violations and help you navigate encounters with law enforcement.
If Contacted by Local Police
Know Your Rights:
- Remain silent; ask if free to leave
- Request an attorney immediately
- Do not consent to searches without warrant
- Document details: names, badge numbers, time
- Contact local legal aid or ACLU CT
If You Believe Your Rights Were Violated
Document the incident, gather evidence, and consult an immigration attorney. Consider filing a civil claim under the Trust Act amendments.
Steps to Take:
- Record incident specifics and witness info
- Obtain police & jail records
- Consult qualified immigration clinic
- File complaint with municipal civil rights office
- Pursue civil lawsuit under HB-7212
Looking Ahead: Future Developments
Advocates propose further enhancements to ensure consistent enforcement and transparency.
- Independent Oversight Board: Monitor Trust Act compliance
- Anonymous Hotline: Report violations securely
- Courthouse Protections: Ban ICE arrests on court premises
- Data Reporting: Mandate statewide ICE interaction metrics
Resources and Support
Access legal aid and government resources for guidance:
Legal Resources
- ACLU of Connecticut
- Connecticut Legal Services
- Yale Law School Immigration Clinic
- Local immigration attorneys
Government Resources
- Connecticut Attorney General’s Office
- Municipal civil rights offices
- State immigrant advocacy programs
- CT Civil Rights
Conclusion
Connecticut’s 2025 Trust Act amendments mark a pivotal advancement in immigrant protections. By introducing civil remedies, expanding covered personnel, and codifying strict ICE cooperation rules, the state reinforces both human rights and community safety.
As these reforms take effect October 1, 2025, staying informed and exercising your rights ensures the Trust Act fulfills its promise of fostering trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
Legal Disclaimer:
This article offers general legal information, not specific advice. Laws evolve and interpretations vary. Consult qualified immigration counsel for personal guidance.
