House panel advances immunity for law enforcement in ICE partnerships
Measure would protect law enforcement cooperating with federal ICE agents from civil lawsuits.
TOPEKA, Kan. — A Kansas House committee has advanced a measure that would grant civil liability immunity to law enforcement officers who cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
The House Committee on Federal and State Affairs recommended an amendment to HB 2771 to create the legal shield for officers acting under agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect police officers and encourage cooperation with federal partners to enforce immigration laws.
Opponents argue that such immunity provisions can erode trust between police and immigrant communities, potentially lead to racial profiling and remove a tool for holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct.
The bill, with the new amendment, heads to the full House for debate.
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