States Clash Over Immigration Powers as New Legislative Battles Emerge

A national political fight over immigration enforcement is intensifying as Democrats in several states push for new limits on federal immigration officers, while Republicans in Tennessee move in the opposite direction with a sweeping proposal to bolster federal crackdowns.

The renewed momentum comes after the fatal shooting of protester Renee Good in Minneapolis by a federal immigration officer, an incident that has reignited long standing debates over accountability and the role of federal agents in local communities. Democratic lawmakers argue that states must act to protect civil liberties, while Republicans accuse protesters of obstructing lawful immigration enforcement.

Democratic States Advance Restrictions

In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul is backing legislation that would allow residents to sue federal officers for alleged violations of constitutional rights. Another proposal would bar immigration officers without judicial warrants from entering schools, hospitals and places of worship.

Oregon Democrats are preparing a bill that would let residents sue federal officers for violating Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful searches and seizures.

New Jersey lawmakers have approved three long sought measures, including one that blocks state and local police from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. Gov. Phil Murphy has until Tuesday, his final day in office, to decide whether to sign them.

California legislators are pushing proposals that would prohibit local and state officers from taking secondary jobs with the Department of Homeland Security and classify certain immigration arrests near courthouses as violations of state law. Additional measures are expected to follow.

Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener said at a news conference that accountability is essential, adding that government actions without oversight undermine democratic principles.

Republicans Mobilize in Red States

While Democratic states move to limit federal authority, Tennessee Republicans unveiled a package of bills designed to align the state more closely with the White House’s immigration agenda. The proposals would expand state support for federal enforcement efforts and strengthen cooperation with immigration authorities.

Republican lawmakers argue that protesters, not federal officers, are responsible for recent clashes and disruptions, framing their legislation as necessary to restore order and uphold immigration laws.

The divide between states is widening as legislatures reconvene, setting the stage for a year of legal and political battles over who controls immigration enforcement and how far states can go in challenging or supporting federal authority.