Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Dec 19: Democratic lawmakers from more than half a dozen US states have announced plans to push back against President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda next year by introducing coordinated legislation at the state level, even as Democratic attorneys general continue to challenge federal immigration policies in court.
The initiative aims to protect immigrant gathering spaces, restrict the use of masked or unidentified federal agents, and curb certain law enforcement tactics. State Democrats say the move is both a legal and political response to what they describe as federal overreach and violations of constitutional protections, while also addressing growing anxiety within immigrant communities.
“It’s never been more important that like-minded state legislators work together to share ideas and strategies,” said Colorado State Senator Mike Weissman, who represents Aurora, a city frequently cited by Trump as a hotspot of Venezuelan gang activity. He added that states are becoming “laboratories where remedies are being developed to protect our country from the disease of authoritarianism.”
The legislative push is designed to complement lawsuits filed by a bloc of up to 20 Democratic attorneys general over the past year. These legal challenges have targeted policies such as steep H-1B visa fee hikes, withholding of antiterrorism funds, and the dismissal of federal workers.
Observers say the effort mirrors long-standing coordination by conservative groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council, which has helped advance right-leaning agendas across states. Gaby Goldstein, founder of State Futures, which organised Thursday’s meeting of Democratic lawmakers, said progressives are now trying to match that strategy by drafting model bills and sharing legislative playbooks nationwide.
The White House dismissed the initiative, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson calling it a “useless P.R. stunt” and urging Democratic lawmakers to focus on policies that benefit American citizens.
Lawmakers from California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia participated in the meeting. Several Democratic-led states have already taken steps, including passing laws banning agreements that delegate federal immigration powers to local police and proposing measures to prohibit masked law enforcement officers.
Virginia Delegate Irene Shin said Democratic gains in November’s elections, including sweeping statewide victories and a near two-thirds majority in the legislature, have strengthened prospects for passing a broad agenda to protect communities and limit federal overreach.
In New York, Assemblyman Micah Lasher said he has co-sponsored legislation declaring schools, houses of worship and nonprofit offices off-limits for federal agents carrying out administrative arrests without judicial warrants. Similar legislation was enacted in Illinois earlier this month.
Pennsylvania State Senator Amanda Cappelletti said she is pushing for bills requiring law enforcement officers to clearly display identification, including names, badge numbers and official uniforms, and banning facial coverings that obscure identity. However, she acknowledged that passage would be difficult in Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled Senate.
“People are watching their neighbours being detained without due process,” Cappelletti said. “That is absolutely unacceptable.” Despite the political hurdles, she said the growing coordination among states has created renewed momentum and hope.