Immigration (Local Government)

SB 11 prohibits local governments in Michigan from adopting or enforcing policies that restrict local law enforcement or officials from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It directly affects counties, cities, townships, and their employees by requiring them to comply with federal immigration cooperation within 60 days of the law's effective date. The bill establishes legal remedies, allowing residents to sue or file complaints with the attorney general if local policies violate the law, with courts able to issue injunctions, order policy changes, and award damages or fines up to $7,500 for officials who knowingly violate it. This creates a statewide standard for immigration cooperation, overriding local "sanctuary" policies.

HB 4338, the "Local Government Sanctuary Policy Prohibition Act," prohibits Michigan cities, townships, and their agencies from creating or enforcing policies that prevent local officials from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It requires local governments to comply with the law within 60 days and allows residents or the state attorney general to sue if a local policy violates it. If a court finds a violation, it can order the policy repealed, issue an injunction against enforcement, and award damages and attorney fees to the winning party. The law directly affects all local government entities and their employees who interact with federal immigration officials.