States Can Push Back on ICE—Here’s What’s Working

Dear John,

As ICE escalates its attacks on our communities, state lawmakers are stepping up and pushing back. These proactive policies protect immigrant communities and defend due process for all. It’s imperative to work directly with state and local immigrant justice organizers and immigrant-led organizations on the policy solutions that will best meet community needs.

No Secret Police, Law Enforcement Masking and Identification – A policy passed in California (CA SB-627) prevents law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from hiding their faces with facial coverings while performing their duties. States across the country have introduced similar versions, including Florida (FL SB 316) and Missouri (HB 2520).
Protected Spaces from ICE – Policies like those introduced in Arizona (SB 1362 / HB 2807), Colorado (SB25-276), Rhode Island (H 5225), and New York (A.11013 / S.08925) limit ICE access to various community spaces, workplaces, and services including schools, day cares, health facilities, courts, libraries, religious institutions, and shelters.
Cut ICE Contracts with Law Enforcement – Illinois’ 2021 TRUST Act, Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act, and Colorado bill Restrict Government Involvement In Immigration Detention all limit or prohibit local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement actions and/or establishing immigration detention agreements. Similarly, lawmakers can strip incentives for companies who contract with ICE. Delaware lawmakers introduced SB207, to strip financial incentives from Avelo Airlines unless they stop conducting deportation flights. On January 7, 2026, Avelo Airlines announced it will end the flights.
Protect People’s Data from ICE Access – Policies like those in Wisconsin (DHS) and Colorado (CO SB21-131) protect residents’ data by preventing state agencies which necessarily store residents’ personal identifying information from sharing said data with ICE.
Empower People to Sue ICE Agents – States like New York, New Jersey, Maine, Massachusetts, California, and now Oregon are creating pathways for people to sue federal agents for violating their constitutional rights. These policies have mixed court results, as judges in Massachusetts and Maine ruled that federal officials can use qualified immunity as defenses, while California courts have said qualified immunity would not apply under the state’s law. Remember to consult with your state’s immigrant justice organizers and legal experts when evaluating policy solutions.

For further resources on policies, constituent services, and essential tools state policymakers can leverage to defend immigrants and protect civil liberties for all, check out SiX’s Protecting Immigrant Communities, our Trump Unleashes Military on Americans toolkits, and SiX and State Legislators Statement calling for ICE to leave Minnesota.