Democrats Push Back Against ICE: New Laws Aim to Protect Immigrants

Thu Jan 15 2026 08:49:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to recent protests and federal immigration policies, Democrats across the U.S. are introducing new laws that aim to limit the powers of ICE and protect immigrant rights. The proposals include allowing lawsuits against federal agents and restriction of their activities in sensitive spaces like schools and hospitals.

Following the shooting of a protester in Minneapolis, Democrats nationwide are rallying to propose new laws that would restrict the actions of federal immigration officers. From New York to California, bills are emerging to empower citizens to sue federal agents and to enhance protection for immigrants in schools and hospitals. As these legislative efforts gain momentum, conservative states are pushing back, seeking to uphold stricter immigration enforcement. This clash sets the stage for legal battles ahead, as both sides stake their claims for what they view as justice and safety for their communities.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democrats across the country are proposing state law changes to rein in federal immigration officers and protect the public following the shooting death of a protester in Minneapolis and the wounding of two people in Portland, Oregon.

Many of the measures have been proposed in some form for years in Democratic-led states, but their momentum is growing as legislatures return to work amid President Donald Trump’s national immigration crackdown following the killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis. Republicans are pushing back, blaming protesters for impeding enforcement of immigration laws.

Democratic bills seek to limit ICE

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul wants New York to allow people to sue federal officers alleging violations of their constitutional rights. Another measure aims to keep immigration agents lacking judicial warrants out of schools, hospitals and houses of worship.

Oregon Democrats plan to introduce a bill to allow residents to sue federal agents for violating their Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful search and seizure.

New Jersey’s Democrat-led Legislature passed three bills on Monday that immigrant rights groups have long pushed for, including a measure prohibiting state law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has until his last day in office to sign or veto them.

California lawmakers are proposing to ban local and state law enforcement from taking second jobs with the Department of Homeland Security and make it a violation of state law when ICE officers make indiscriminate arrests around court appearances. Other measures are pending.

“Where you have government actions with no accountability, that is not true democracy,” Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco said at a news conference.

Democrats also push bills in red states

Democrats in Georgia introduced four Senate bills designed to limit immigration enforcement. Democrats said it’s still important to take a stand.

“Donald Trump has unleashed brutal aggression on our families and our communities across our country,” said state Sen. Sheikh Rahman, an immigrant from Bangladesh whose district in suburban Atlanta’s Gwinnett County is home to many immigrants.

The Trump administration has opposed any effort to blunt ICE, including suing local governments whose “sanctuary” policies limit police interactions with federal officers.

As these new legislative efforts unfold, the legal implications are being closely monitored, with significant court cases already on the horizon.