More than a dozen new locations – including playgrounds and hospitals – would be off-limits to federal immigration authorities under several bills that Connecticut lawmakers considered on Monday.

If they pass, officers could face fines and criminal charges for violating the law.

After months of violent clashes involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents, Connecticut is considering strict new limits on where they can detain people.

“Since 2025, ICE has killed 28 people alone that we know of,” Seth Garben, with Danbury United for Immigrants, told lawmakers on Monday. “They’re responsible for 38 injuries and 48 people have died while in ICE custody.”

Under a proposal from Gov. Ned Lamont, police could not detain people at schools, college campuses and any “place where children gather” – including day care centers, recreation centers and playgrounds.

Also off-limits? Houses of worship and medical facilities, including drug treatment centers and hospitals.

“When I think about a school, I don’t envision danger; I see education. When I think about a hospital, I don’t envision danger; I see care,” said Japhet Gonzalez, a student at New Haven’s High School in the Community. “We shouldn’t have to delay our hospital appointment because the anxiety you get thinking about it being your last.”

The new restrictions would apply to all law enforcement officers, including state and local police. A judge struck down a similar law in California that only targeted federal agents.

Connecticut already banned arrests at courthouses after federal agents arrested two men inside the Stamford courthouse parking garage in October.

State Senate Democrats want to go even further.

Their proposal bans face masks and would require law enforcement to display a badge and name tag when interacting with the public.

Connecticut’s attorney general would gain the authority to bring civil rights actions against federal officers.

Plus, state investigators would have access to crime scenes involving federal agents. The move comes after the FBI denied Minnesota authorities access to evidence in the deadly shooting of Rene Good.

“For the first time in American history, the Executive Branch has deployed ICE agents against American citizens and residents without regard for what were once considered inalienable, constitutional rights – the Fourth Amendment right against searches and seizures without a warrant,” said Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk).

A third bill would ban police from using license plate readers for immigration enforcement.

Lamont’s proposal provides exceptions if police have a warrant signed by a judge, there is an imminent danger to the public or the suspect has a serious felony conviction or is on a terrorism watch list.

But some Republicans think the new proposal goes too far.

“I understand the problems that occurred in Minneapolis. We never want to see something like that happen in the state of Connecticut,” said state Sen. John Kissel (R-Enfield). “But I think without immigration and Customs Enforcement, we would have a lawless society in many areas.”

Others questioned the need for a new law in Connecticut.

“Can you give me an instance in Connecticut where ICE has entered a school?” state Rep. Craig Fishbein (R-Wallingford) asked.

Last year, Connecticut required school districts to ask for a judicial warrant if immigration agents show up.

Under the governor’s bill, law enforcement officers who do not comply could be charged with second degree breach of peace, which carries up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

But even Lamont questioned if federal agents can be charged in state court.

“I’ve got to look at the details of it,” he told reporters on Monday. “As I said, I'd like to have laws that we can enforce and make a difference.”

Connecticut’s inspector general believes the state does have the right to prosecute ICE agents. He would gain the authority to investigate federal agents’ use-of-force.

“The state has the sovereign right to enforce the criminal laws against federal agents regardless of what agency they work for,” inspector general Eliot Prescott said.

You can submit written testimony HERE.

Changes are likely to the proposals as they advance through the General Assembly.