CT Attorney General Issues New Immigration Guidance Amid Federal Concerns

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has issued new guidance outlining how state agencies, officials and organizations should respond to immigration enforcement and related legal matters.

The 42-page memorandum is intended to clarify the state’s legal position and provide direction amid concerns about recent federal immigration actions, according to the Office of the Attorney General.

"I write this memorandum as Connecticut's Chief Legal Officer and Chief civil law enforcement official," Tong wrote. "I also write this memorandum as a son and grandson of immigrants and refugees, born a citizen by right of my birth on American soil, like millions of other Americans and Connecticut residents."

Tong said his office has heard from residents concerned about safety and the impact of immigration enforcement in Connecticut and across the country.

The memo comes amid heightened national debate over immigration enforcement and recent federal policy changes under President Donald Trump, including expanded ICE operations and legal challenges over detention practices.

The guidance emphasizes that Connecticut will “respect, honor and protect immigrants and immigrant families” while remaining in compliance with state and federal law, according to the memo.

The document also outlines legal limits on federal immigration enforcement, including distinctions between civil and criminal law and Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

It further clarifies that federal immigration agents generally need a judicial warrant — not an administrative warrant — to enter private spaces, and that agencies are not required to share sensitive information unless legally obligated to do so.

The memo also addresses changes to federal policy, including the rollback of prior guidance discouraging immigration enforcement in “sensitive places” such as schools, hospitals and houses of worship.

Tong additionally stated that Connecticut is not a “sanctuary state” and remains in full compliance with federal law.

The guidance includes frequently asked questions and sample enforcement documents to help agencies and organizations navigate immigration-related situations.