Democrats oppose ICE cooperation bill passage

Key Points

• Mississippi House Bill 538 passed 77-40, mandating state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
• The legislation waives sovereign immunity for officers who refuse to comply with ICE directives.
• Democrats warn the bill creates a constitutional crisis by stripping privacy and legal protections.

JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi House of Representatives approved a controversial measure Friday that critics claim strips legal immunities from local law enforcement and state agencies.

House Bill 538, which passed with a 77-40 vote, expands the state’s ban on “sanctuary” jurisdictions. The bill requires all government entities to cooperate with federal immigration agents. Notably, the legislation waives sovereign immunity for agencies that refuse to comply, potentially exposing officers to prosecution if they interfere with federal actions.

“This is not about law and order,” said Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor. He argued the bill forces officers to choose between federal mandates and their oath to protect citizens’ constitutional rights.

Republicans rejected an amendment that would have protected officers who refuse unconstitutional orders. Supporters of the bill argue it ensures uniform enforcement of federal law. The move comes as 15 Mississippi agencies have joined the 287(g) program since early 2025, a growth of several hundred percent in regional participation.

The bill now moves to the state Senate.