Bridgeport, CT Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted
- April 20, 2020 (Ord.)
- Citation
- BMC §§ 2.125.010, 2.125.020
- Detainers
- Honored only with judge's warrant
- Enforcer
- Bridgeport Police Department
- Status inquiries
- Barred unless legally required
Summary
Bridgeport's Trust Act Enforcement ordinance bars city employees from asking about immigration status and stops police from honoring ICE detainers unless a judge signs a warrant or court order.
the Bridgeport Police Department shall not hold anyone in its custody for longer than the criminal process otherwise requires and shall not honor any immigration detainer that is not accompanied by a judicial warrant or court order signed by a judge.C.The Bridgeport Police Department shall make all reasonable efforts to assist victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of aliens, and other related crimes, who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity with securing U-Visas in an effort to strengthen the law enforcement agencies and their ability to investigate and prosecute. (Ord. dated 4/20/20)
2.125.020 - Non-discrimination and inclusion in city services. A.No employee, municipal agent or agency shall inquire about, request information about, or otherwise investigate the citizenship or immigration status of any person unless such inquiry or investigation is required by state or federal law, regulation, directive, or court order.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 2.125 of the Bridgeport Municipal Code, adopted April 20, 2020, puts the city in compliance with Connecticut's Trust Act. The Bridgeport Police Department cannot hold anyone in custody longer than the criminal process requires and cannot honor an immigration detainer unless it comes with a judge-signed warrant or court order. No city employee or agency can ask about a person's citizenship or immigration status, or factor it into a stop, search, arrest, or detention, unless state or federal law requires the inquiry. The city must also provide services in languages spoken by at least five percent of residents.
Violations & Fines
Violating the non-discrimination and detainer provisions is a policy and training compliance matter enforced through the police department's internal disciplinary process and city administrative oversight, not a criminal penalty for residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bridgeport cooperate with ICE detainer requests?
Can Bridgeport city employees ask about my immigration status?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bridgeport
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