(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today released the following statement regarding the letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to the Office of Attorney General William Tong erroneously identifying Connecticut as a sanctuary jurisdiction:
“The top priority of local and state law enforcement needs to be public safety and getting those who commit serious crimes off our streets. Kids should feel safe going to school, and people should feel safe in their neighborhoods and going to work. The Connecticut Trust Act prioritizes public safety, and it was adopted with bipartisan support and the Trump administration previously certified that it is in compliance with federal policies. Requiring law enforcement officials to prioritize public safety in no way makes a state a ‘sanctuary.’ We prioritize public safety work with all agencies – federal, state, and local – to keep dangerous criminals off the street.
“Connecticut is not a ‘sanctuary’ state. That term has no legal definition, and it is not an accurate description of our laws and practices. Labeling Connecticut a ‘sanctuary’ ignores the reality that our approach mirrors that of many other states that have adopted clear rules for cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These rules keep communities safe, respect due process, and allow police to focus resources where they are most needed.”