Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in Florida teamed up for an illegal immigration enforcement operation on the state’s highways.
A new Mississippi law set to take effect this week will allow the state's top law enforcement agency to compile a list of all illegal immigrants living in the state, alarming immigrant advocates who fear it could be a new tool to target immigrants as part of President Donald Trump's mass deportation plan.
The law, which will go into effect on Wednesday, states that the state Department of Public Safety "may use all reasonable lawful investigative means available" to determine the number of illegal immigrants residing in Mississippi and their identities, including by collecting their names, addresses, country of origin and whether they are an adult or child.
The department may also list any criminal history and the date, location and status of deportation proceedings.
The agency is instructed to share information on immigrants suspected of violating laws with state and local authorities.
‘GHOSTS’ ON FLORIDA HIGHWAYS: ROADSIDE STINGS SNARE 249 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, OFFICERS WARN MANY MORE HIDING
The law says the state Department of Public Safety "may use all reasonable lawful investigative means available" to determine the number of illegal immigrants in Mississippi and their identities. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
The law does not expressly require or prohibit sharing the database with federal immigration authorities, though other provisions of SB 2114 require the Department of Public Safety and county detention agencies to attempt cooperation agreements with ICE under Section 287(g).
State Sen. Angela Hill, a Republican who sponsored the bill, argued that states have a right and obligation to assist the federal government in stopping illegal immigration, which she claims contributes to crimes such as human and drug trafficking.
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