Malloy Escalates Feud With Trump Administration Over Policies

Press Secretary Sean Spicer denounced Gov. Dannel Malloy’s recent instructions to local school and police districts regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

“The idea that Governor Malloy would not want the law followed as enacted by Congress or the Connecticut legislature in any fashion seems to be concerning,” Spicer said at the Thursday press briefing in response to a question from the Connecticut Post’s Neil Vigdor.

Malloy recommended local police departments don’t take action solely to enforce federal immigration law and that the federal government can’t mandate state and local authorities spend resources if the matter doesn’t involve state law or local ordinance.

“Putting all opinions about this presidential executive order aside, its enforcement is going to have a local impact, especially given the constrained resources and financial impact this will have on state and municipal budgets, which we already know are stretched to their limits, in addition to giving rise to serious concerns in affected communities,” Malloy said in a statement.

Spicer said it was “troubling” that Malloy is sending a message to the people of Connecticut and other governors that only certain laws have to be followed.

“That is not a great sign to be sending to the people of Connecticut,” Spicer said.

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There is no love lost between the Malloy and Trump administrations. Malloy has called Trump a bully and has squared off against Vice President Mike Pence over issues regarding refugees, LGBT protection and business. Trump criticized Malloy at a Connecticut campaign rally after General Electric announced it would be leaving the state.

Related: Connecticut Governor Sends Immigrant Enforcement Recommendations To Police Chiefs, School Superintendents

• Malloy Takes Aim at Trump/Pence Ticket

Immigration wasn’t the only issue that Malloy and President Donald Trump clashed with on Thursday. Malloy signed an executive order related to the rights of transgender student education.

“Despite the actions taken by the federal government yesterday, the State of Connecticut remains committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education in a safe, supportive and welcoming school environment,” Malloy said.

The Trump administration rolled back federal guidelines related to transgender students in public schools.
Malloy’s order clarifies that bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools and institutions are places of public accommodation under existing state anti-discrimination laws.

The order also directs the State Department of Education to develop guidance for school districts regarding access to facilities in a manner consistent with the student’s gender identity or expression.

“President Trump is wrong to open the door to discrimination,” said Lt. Gov Nancy Wyman in a statement. “His action only serves to destabilize our schools and our communities, causing anxiety among vulnerable youth and emboldening those looking for an excuse to victimize others.

Malloy also advised local police chiefs that ICE detainer requests are simply requests and aren’t warrants or orders. He also said that law enforcement should not provide access to individuals who are in custody for purposes of questioning by ICE.

Connecticut passed the Connecticut Trust Act in 2013 which, “defines the circumstances under which a prison in the custody of state or local police or corrections can be held in custody solely on the basis of an ICE detainer request,” Malloy said in a memo to police chiefs.

A person can only be detained if they are a convicted felon, have pending criminal charges in the state where bond hasn’t been posted or if they have an outstanding arrest warrant in Connecticut. The act also authorizes detainer requests if the person is a known gang member, on a federal terrorist list, is subject to a final order of deportation or they present an unacceptable risk to public safety.

It is up to local law enforcement agencies to decide how they will assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

At least one Connecticut police chief said his department will continue to assist federal authorities, as has always been done in the past.

"The policy of this department is we will cooperate fully with ICE, even though, according to this letter we don't have to," Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza said.

Referencing the recommendation to not provide access to individuals in law enforcement custody to ICE agents, Sferrazza said, "If federal law enforcement wants to come talk to someone, we will make them accessible. We're not going to turn the federal government away."

Malloy’s recommendation to local school superintendents is to contact the district’s attorney before taking action regarding a visit from an ICE agent. Generally an agent shouldn’t be allowed into a school building without a warrant.

Additional reporting by Tim Jensen, Patch Staff

Images via Gage Skidmore/Dannel Malloy Flickr Commons