Georgia's proposed legislation to enforce immigration cooperation awaits governor's decision

State legislators concluded the 2024 legislative session with a burst of voting activity that extended into the early morning hours, reports Georgia Recorder.

On Thursday, Georgia's Legislature passed a bill mandating that local detention officers verify the immigration status of prisoners and collaborate with federal immigration authorities, moving away from protecting individuals in the country without legal authorization.

The House passed House Bill 1105 with a vote of 99-75, receiving support mainly from Republicans. It now awaits the governor's signature. The bill, which had already cleared the state Senate, mandates that local law enforcement agencies cooperate with immigration officials or risk losing state funds. Additionally, local officials could be charged with misdemeanors for non-compliance.

According to the Associated Press, the bill gained momentum following the arrest of Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan national, who was charged with the murder and assault of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus. Ibarra, 26, was arrested last month and is accused of having entered the United States unlawfully in 2022. His asylum application status remains unknown.

On Thursday, Georgia's Legislature passed a bill mandating that local jailers verify the immigration status of inmates and collaborate with federal immigration authorities, moving away from offering protection to individuals residing in the country unlawfully.

Democrats have expressed worries that this legislation would effectively transform local law enforcement into immigration officers, potentially deterring communities from reporting crimes and cooperating with the police. They have also referenced research indicating that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes compared to individuals born in the United States.

Source: Georgia Recorder, Associated Press