A new law in Mississippi will empower the state’s primary law enforcement agency to compile a list of immigrants residing illegally in the state. The specific use of this list remains uncertain. The law, effective from Wednesday, has triggered concern among immigrant advocates. They worry it could become a tool for targeting immigrants in line with former President Donald Trump’s deportation plans.
Details of the Law
The law authorizes the state Department of Public Safety to “use all reasonable lawful investigative means” to identify and count “illegal aliens” in Mississippi. This process involves gathering details such as names, addresses, countries of origin, and ages. It also includes noting criminal histories and specifics about deportation proceedings. The department must share information about suspected lawbreakers with state and local authorities. The law does not specify if the database will be shared with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Support for the Measure
Republican state Sen. Angela Hill, the measure’s sponsor, argues that states have a duty to assist the federal government in curbing illegal immigration. Hill believes it is essential to understand the problem’s scope by identifying those residing illegally in Mississippi. Identifying these individuals, she contends, helps address issues related to illegal immigration.
Many states have enacted over 100 immigration-related laws this year, with Republican-led states often aligning with Trump’s agenda. These include measures requiring local sheriffs to cooperate with ICE, restricting public benefits, and verifying voter rolls against federal systems. In contrast, Democratic-led states have generally opposed these measures, aiming to protect immigrants from federal enforcement actions.
Comparison to Other States
Mississippi’s law is somewhat reminiscent of a 2021 executive order from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, which urged state law enforcement to identify immigrants transported from the southwest border to Florida. The outcome of Florida’s order remains unclear as officials have not provided results.
Challenges and Concerns
The Mississippi law aims for ongoing monitoring over two years, posing challenges as individuals change immigration status or relocate. Efrén Olivares of the National Immigration Law Center notes the complexity due to fluctuating immigration statuses. Critics compare this to problematic practices in other countries where lists of certain groups have led to discrimination.
Jessica Vaughan from the Center for Immigration Studies, however, supports the law. She believes it increases the likelihood of illegal residents being noticed by federal authorities.
Impact on Community Trust
Mississippi has one of the smallest populations of undocumented immigrants, with less than 28,000 people, or under 1% of its population, according to the American Immigration Council. Some worry the law will divert law enforcement resources and lead to profiling, targeting communities for investigation. Victoria Francis of the American Immigration Council warns it could reduce trust between communities and police.
Lydia Grizzell from the ACLU of Mississippi echoes these concerns, stating it could lead to fewer individuals reaching out to law enforcement when necessary, contradicting public safety goals.