Connecticut's Sanctuary Cities (As of January 2023)

As of January 2023, four Connecticut municipalities have formal sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement:

1. Hartford (State Capital) – Ordinance since 2008, strengthened 2017.
2. New Haven – Executive order 2008; "Welcoming City" policies.
3. Middletown – Resolution 2017; prohibits city resources for ICE enforcement.
4. Willington – Town meeting vote 2017; symbolic declaration of support for immigrants.

What "Sanctuary" Means in CT

These policies generally:
• Bar police from asking immigration status.
• Decline ICE detainers without a judicial warrant.
• Restrict ICE access to non-public areas of city facilities.
• Do not shield individuals from federal prosecution for serious crimes.

Context

Connecticut's Trust Act (2013, updated 2019) sets statewide limits on ICE collaboration for all law enforcement. These four cities go further with local ordinances. The landscape evolves; check the Connecticut Immigrant Rights Alliance or municipal websites for current status.