Connecticut Leaders Promise Support for Immigrants as Tougher Federal Immigration Laws Take Effect in January

Tabitha Sookdeo, CT Students for a Dream. Photo, Boceto Media 

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Hartford, CT.- Connecticut leaders reaffirmed the state's commitment to being a welcoming place for immigrants during a press event Monday outside the Capitol building in Hartford. The gathering, which included remarks from community members, Attorney General William Tong, and several mayors, clergy, and educators, also highlighted the efforts of a statewide steering committee made up of over 60 organizations. The committee, formed over the summer, is focused on ensuring that immigrants in Connecticut are treated with dignity and respect.

During his reelection campaign, President-elect Donald Trump said his administration plans to begin deportations of hundreds of thousands of immigrants and end parole for the majority of recipients within its first 100 days.

But Democratic officials have helped the committee launch a "Know Your Rights" website, which will soon feature training materials and resources for schools. These materials will be available through partner organizations, libraries, and social service bulletins. The committee is also collaborating with law schools and planning regional tours to further support immigrant families across the state.

Tabitha Sookdeo, executive director of Connecticut Students for a Dream, led the conference and shared a personal message. "As a South American and Caribbean immigrant from Guyana, I came to the U.S. as an undocumented teenager with my family just before the recession," she said. 

Sookdeo, who now calls Connecticut home, recalled the struggles she and her family faced, including hunger and isolation, as they navigated life in the U.S. without legal status.

"I never want any student to feel that loneliness," she said. "As immigrants, we are your neighbors, your classmates, and we dream of a better future, not just for our children, but for yours as well."

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. Photo, Boceto Media

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, reassured in support of the state's immigrant communities. "Here in Hartford and across Connecticut, we love and value our immigrant residents, and we will work tirelessly to ensure every person is safe," Arulampalam said

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons emphasized that Stamford, like other cities across the state, has a long history of embracing immigrants. "Our diverse immigrant community is one of our greatest strengths, and something we take great pride in," Simmons said, noting that residents speak over 70 languages and come from across the globe.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. Photo, Boceto Media

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker reflected the city’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, including immigrants, feel secure and supported in seeking help when needed, “We want our residents regardless of their status to feel safe calling the police or reporting a crime," he said. 

In an interview with Boceto Media, State Senator Rob Sampson criticized Connecticut’s policies on undocumented immigrants, arguing that they extend beyond humanitarian concerns and could potentially allow dangerous individuals into the state. He specifically referenced the Venezuelan criminal gang, Tren de Aragua.  

“This is a real concern. As New York City starts to limit benefits for undocumented immigrants, there’s a risk that some of those people may travel to Connecticut, where similar benefits are available. And while some immigrants come looking for a better life, others like gang members, may also be attracted to these opportunities. The policies being promoted by the Democratic Party have created a dangerous environment that could escalate into a public safety crisis. I’m very worried about this,” Sampson said.

CT Attorney General William Tong. Photo, Boceto Media

“Let me make this clear,” Attorney General William Tong said during the conference, “People are trying to tell false stories about the immigrant community here in Connecticut and across the country. The Trust Act does not protect those who commit violent crimes, and it certainly doesn’t protect people who are a danger to the public.

When asked about the financial cost of supporting immigrant protection measures, Tong said he did not have specific information, because he does not work in the legislature and lacks access to such data. Regarding concerns about a potential influx of criminals into the state, Tong said, "I don’t have any information or data to suggest that’s going to happen."

Sampson, who supported the Trust Act in 2013 to help build trust with immigrant communities, said the law has since been expanded in ways that now protect dangerous individuals.

CWCSEO Werner Oyanadel. Photo, Boceto Media

Werner Oyanadel, a representative from the CWCSEO, said the commission has yet to take a formal position, but Oyanadel emphasized that most immigration policy decisions are made at the federal level. “We are on the record in supporting the driver's license for immigrants, all our support for Connecticut dreamers, DACA recipients,” he said.

Oyanadel also highlighted the work of the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition (CIRC), where he serves as vice chairman collaborating with immigration attorneys and the governor's office to ensure immigrants are aware of their legal rights and that due process protections are upheld amid concerns about potential mass deportations.

Elena Perez, executive director of Building One Community. Photo, Boceto Media

Elena Perez, executive director of Building One Community, expressed concern about the challenges of securing sufficient funds to support both the current immigrant population in Fairfield County and any new arrivals from New York. She acknowledged that while the organization is prepared to serve newcomers, resources are always in short supply, “We all have to work together to preserve this unity,” she said. “It’s very important right now.”

“I understand why people want to come to America, but we need a legal process to allow them to do so without living in the shadows,” Sampson said. “The current policies don’t help immigrants, they just leave them without full rights, without the ability to work or fully integrate into society.”

Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center. Photo: Boceto Media

Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, warned that the incoming Trump administration is likely to implement harsh measures targeting immigrant communities, including mass deportations. "We will use every tool at our disposal, from lawsuits to advocacy, to defend immigrant communities," Matos said, calling on elected leaders at all levels to act with courage and urgency to protect vulnerable populations.

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