What Is the Connecticut Trust Act?

The Connecticut Trust Act is a state law that limits when and how Connecticut law enforcement agencies, courts, schools, and other government actors may cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It prohibits holding people beyond their scheduled release date solely based on civil ICE detainer requests, bars sharing non-public personal information with immigration authorities without a judicial warrant, and restricts the use of state resources for civil immigration enforcement. As amended by Public Act 25-29 (2025 session), it is codified at Connecticut General Statutes § 54-192h and took effect October 1, 2025.

In plain terms: Connecticut state and local law enforcement cannot arrest or hold someone simply because ICE asked them to — unless a judge has issued a valid warrant or the person has been convicted of specific serious crimes listed in the statute. This distinguishes Connecticut from states with no such protections and is why the question "is Connecticut a sanctuary state?" frequently arises (see the dedicated section below).

CGS § 54-192h: The Statute Behind the Trust Act

The Trust Act is codified at Connecticut General Statutes § 54-192h. The most recent amendments were enacted as Public Act 25-29, Section 4 (also identified as House Bill 7259, 2025 Regular Session), which became effective October 1, 2025.

Key Provisions of CGS § 54-192h (as amended by PA 25-29 § 4)

The following is a plain-language summary of the statute's major provisions. For the authoritative text, see the official links in the next section.

• 1.
  ICE Detainer Restrictions. Law enforcement agencies may not detain a person beyond their otherwise-scheduled release solely on the basis of a civil immigration detainer request from ICE, unless a valid judicial warrant accompanies that request or one of the statute's enumerated exceptions applies. If you are held under an ICE detainer, bond hearing representation may be your first critical step.
• 2.
  Judicial Warrant Requirement. Any honoring of an ICE hold requires a warrant signed by a judge — an administrative ICE Form I-200 or I-205 (which are signed by ICE officers, not judges) does not meet this standard under the Act.
• 3.
  Expanded Personnel Coverage. The 2025 amendments explicitly extended the Act's restrictions to state prosecutors and Division of Criminal Justice employees, juvenile probation officers, Board of Pardons and Paroles members, and town marshals and constables — ensuring consistent application across the justice system.
• 4.
  Schools and Courts. School personnel and court employees are restricted from inquiring about or disclosing immigration status in most circumstances, helping ensure that immigrants can access education and the court system without fear of immigration enforcement.
• 5.
  Private Right of Action (New in 2025). The 2025 amendments created a civil cause of action: individuals harmed by a violation of the Act may file suit against the municipality or government entity, seeking injunctive or declaratory relief plus court costs and attorney's fees (the statute does not authorize money damages). This is a significant enforcement mechanism not present in earlier versions of the law.
• 6.
  Enumerated Exceptions. Cooperation with ICE is permitted if the subject has been convicted of — or is being held for — specific serious offenses listed in the statute (Class A or B felonies, terrorism-related offenses, and 13 additional qualifying crimes added in 2025 including certain sexual offenses, robbery, kidnapping, and domestic violence offenses). A terrorism watchlist match also permits cooperation.

Accuracy note: The above is a plain-language summary based on publicly reported provisions of PA 25-29. It does not reproduce the verbatim statutory text. Always consult the official text (linked below) or a licensed attorney for authoritative interpretation.

Official Text and PDF Downloads

Researchers and attorneys looking for the statute text, the public act PDF, or bill history can access official Connecticut General Assembly sources directly:

Official Connecticut Legislative Sources

• →
  Full Text of Public Act 25-29 (PDF) The enrolled act as signed into law — download from the Connecticut General Assembly. Section 4 contains the Trust Act amendments to CGS § 54-192h.
• →
  HB 7259 (2025) — Bill Status and Legislative History Full legislative history, committee votes, amendments, and floor votes for House Bill 7259 on the CGA bill status page.
• →
  Connecticut General Statutes § 54-192h — Current Codified Text Chapter 965 ("Detainers") of the CGS on the CGA website. Search for § 54-192h to find the current codified Trust Act text, as amended.
• →
  OLR Research Report on 2025 Major Public Acts (PDF) The Connecticut Office of Legislative Research summary of major public acts from the 2025 session, which includes an accessible plain-language summary of the Trust Act amendments.

Attorney General Guidance Memo (January 15, 2025)

On January 15, 2025, the Connecticut Attorney General's Office issued a Trust Act guidance memorandum directed to state and local law enforcement agencies. The memo clarified agencies' obligations under the existing Trust Act and addressed how agencies should respond to ICE requests in light of anticipated federal immigration enforcement activity at the start of the new administration.

The guidance reiterated that Connecticut law enforcement is not required — and in most cases is not permitted — to honor civil immigration detainers lacking a judicial warrant, and outlined procedures for documenting and responding to federal requests while remaining in compliance with state law.

How to access the guidance: Read the memo directly: Trust Act Guidance Memorandum (PDF) — Connecticut Attorney General General Notice 25-02, January 15, 2025. Additional publications are available at portal.ct.gov/ag.

If you received a copy of the AG guidance memo and need help understanding how it applies to a specific situation — for example, whether a local agency complied with it in your case — contact our office for a consultation.

Is Connecticut a Sanctuary State?

Connecticut is often described as a "sanctuary state," and the Trust Act is the primary reason. In practice, however, "sanctuary" is not a precise legal term — and the accurate answer is nuanced.

What Connecticut Law Actually Does and Does Not Do

Connecticut state law DOES:

• • Prohibit honoring civil ICE detainers without a judicial warrant
• • Bar sharing non-public personal data with ICE without legal process
• • Restrict use of state/local resources for civil immigration enforcement
• • Protect access to schools, courts, and healthcare regardless of status
• • Provide a private right of action for violations

Connecticut state law does NOT:

• • Prevent federal agents (ICE, DHS) from operating in Connecticut
• • Override federal immigration law or federal warrants
• • Bar cooperation where a judicial warrant exists
• • Protect individuals convicted of serious enumerated offenses
• • Shield people from federal civil or criminal enforcement actions

So while Connecticut meaningfully limits state and local cooperation with ICE, federal agents retain independent authority to conduct immigration enforcement operations in the state. The Trust Act creates a meaningful legal shield, but it is not absolute. For an assessment of how these rules apply to your specific circumstances, speak with a Connecticut immigration attorney.

Connecticut Trust Act FAQ

What is the Trust Act in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Trust Act (CGS § 54-192h) is a state law that limits when Connecticut law enforcement, courts, schools, and other government agencies can cooperate with federal immigration authorities. It prohibits detaining people on civil ICE detainers without a judicial warrant, restricts sharing non-public information with ICE, and — since October 1, 2025 — gives harmed individuals the right to sue for violations.

When did the 2025 Trust Act amendments take effect?

The 2025 amendments enacted by Public Act 25-29, Section 4 (House Bill 7259) took effect October 1, 2025. This is the same effective date for the private right of action (civil lawsuit provision) and the expanded coverage of additional personnel categories.

Can police in Connecticut hold someone on an ICE detainer?

Generally, no. Under CGS § 54-192h, Connecticut law enforcement agencies may not detain a person beyond their scheduled release date solely based on a civil ICE administrative detainer (Form I-200 or I-205), because these are signed by ICE officers — not judges. A hold is only permitted if accompanied by a judicial warrant, or if the person has been convicted of (or is being held for) one of the enumerated serious offenses in the statute. If you believe you or a family member was unlawfully held on a detainer, contact an immigration deportation defense attorney immediately — and ask about a bond hearing if the person remains in custody.

Can I sue if the Trust Act was violated?

Yes — as of October 1, 2025. Public Act 25-29 § 4 created a private right of action under the Trust Act. Individuals who suffer harm from a violation of CGS § 54-192h can file a civil lawsuit against the municipality or government entity responsible, seeking injunctive or declaratory relief plus court costs and attorneys' fees — the statute does not authorize money damages. Proving a violation requires legal analysis of the specific facts; consulting a qualified attorney is strongly recommended before filing.

Does the Trust Act apply to schools and courts?

Yes. The Trust Act broadly covers Connecticut government entities and personnel — including school employees and court personnel. School staff are generally restricted from inquiring about or reporting immigration status, and courthouse enforcement by ICE has been a contested area. The 2025 amendments further clarified and expanded the scope of covered personnel. If you need to appear in court or send your child to school and have concerns about immigration status, speak with an attorney about your protections under the Act.

What changed in the 2025 Trust Act amendments?

Public Act 25-29 § 4 made four major changes to the existing Trust Act: (1) created a new private right of action allowing harmed individuals to sue municipalities for violations and obtain injunctive or declaratory relief plus court costs and attorney's fees; (2) expanded the list of covered government personnel to include state prosecutors, juvenile probation officers, Board of Pardons and Paroles members, and town marshals and constables; (3) added 13 new qualifying criminal offenses to the list of exceptions permitting ICE cooperation; and (4) strengthened and clarified the prohibition on sharing non-public personal information with federal immigration authorities.

Does the Trust Act completely stop ICE from operating in Connecticut?

No. The Trust Act regulates what Connecticut state and local government actors can do — it does not govern federal agents. ICE and other federal immigration enforcement agencies operate under federal authority and can conduct enforcement operations in Connecticut independently of state law. What the Trust Act prevents is state cooperation with those federal operations absent a judicial warrant or qualifying conviction. Federal agents executing a valid federal judicial warrant, for example, are not blocked by the Trust Act.

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 injunctive or declaratory relief plus court costs and attorney's fees when a municipality or employee violates Trust Act provisions — the law does not authorize money damages.

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:

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:

1. Judicial Warrant: Valid ICE warrant signed by judge[ICE guidelines]
2. Terror Screening: Subject on terrorism watchlists
3. Serious Felony Convictions: Class A/B felonies such as murder, kidnapping
4. 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

New Civil Remedy Process

Effective October 1, 2025, affected individuals can file suit under 2025 Major Public Acts. Required elements:

Impact on Community Safety and Trust

Research supports trust-based policies. A peer-reviewed study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Hausman, 2020) found that sanctuary policies reduced deportations by roughly one-third with no increase in crime[PNAS].

• 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.

Practical Implications for Immigrants

Knowing your rights can prevent rights violations and help you navigate encounters with law enforcement.

If Contacted by Local Police

If You Believe Your Rights Were Violated

Document the incident, gather evidence, and consult a Hartford immigration attorney. Consider filing a civil claim under the Trust Act amendments.

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: