Immigration (Sanctuary Policies)

HB 4339, the "County Law Enforcement Protection Act," prohibits counties from enacting or enforcing any local law, ordinance, policy, or rule that restricts peace officers or local officials from communicating with federal authorities about an individual’s immigration status in Michigan. It directly affects county governments, local law enforcement, and residents by requiring counties to eliminate existing restrictive policies within 60 days and preventing new violations. The bill establishes legal remedies, allowing residents or the attorney general to sue counties that violate it, with courts able to order policy changes, issue injunctions, and award damages or attorney fees. It does not alter immigration enforcement but ensures local officials can cooperate with federal immigration authorities without county restrictions.

SB 43, the "Immigration and Customs Enforcement Support Act," requires Michigan law enforcement agencies (like state police, sheriffs, and city police) to create programs that assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing federal immigration laws. Agencies must enter a formal agreement with DHS, verify the immigration status of detained individuals, and transfer non-citizens convicted of crimes to ICE custody. It establishes two specific programs - jail enforcement models and warrant service officer programs - to facilitate this cooperation, subject to funding from a new state support fund. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and individuals detained under state criminal law who are not legally present in the U.S.

SB 42 creates the "immigration and customs enforcement support fund" within Michigan's state treasury to provide financial support for law enforcement agencies. The bill directly affects local and state law enforcement agencies, enabling them to apply for grants to train officers in immigration enforcement programs. Key provisions include requiring agencies to train at least three officers per agency, allocating additional funds based on population served, and offering up to $15,000 per officer as an incentive for participation. Applications must be submitted by March 15 annually, with grants awarded by May 1, and instructions posted publicly by December 2025. The fund's money must remain in the account annually and cannot lapse to the general fund.