LANSING (WWJ) -- A group of Lansing lawmakers has introduced a package of bills aimed at protecting the privacy of immigrants in Michigan.
State Senate Bill 509 was introduced by State Senator Stephanie Chang (D‑District 3). If passed, the legislation would forbid government entities from accessing private information — such as tax data and medical records — for the purposes of immigration enforcement.
"When patients no longer trust that what they share stays private, they may withhold important information, or stay away entirely," said Chang, speaking about the bill at a hearing on Thursday. "That undermines doctors' ability to diagnose and treat them."
"The danger isn't just personal," she said. "If people with contagious, potentially deadly diseases avoid seeking care out of fear of ICE, they put all of us at risk."
Under the proposed new law, the government would need to obtain a warrant from a judge in order to access that private information.
Another bill in the package forbids ICE agents from entering houses of worship, hospitals or other "sensitive locations" — including schools, weddings, funerals, or the site of organizations assisting children, pregnant women, victims of crime or abuse, or people with disabilities.
Under the Senate Bill 508, law enforcement officers may conduct an immigration enforcement action at these locations only if a court order directs them specifically to do so, or if the immigration enforcement action is necessary to address a threat that "poses imminent danger to public safety."
"Across the country, we have been seeing alarming reports of masked and unidentified officers removing individuals from schools, courthouses and hospitals, spaces that have been recognized as sensitive and protected since 1993, under both Democratic and Republican administration," said 509's sponsor, State Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), adding: "including during our current president's first term."
A third bill, State Senate Bill 510, addresses the masked agent issue, stating: "A law enforcement officer, while interacting with a member of the public in the performance of the law enforcement officer's duties, shall wear an appropriate uniform and shall not wear a mask or personal disguise."
It should be noted that federal law ultimately has the authority to override state laws that attempt to block federal immigration enforcement, so it's unclear if, if passed, these laws would be effective.
The public can find details of Senate Bill 508, HERE, State Senate Bill 509, HERE, and State Senate Bill 510, HERE.
Those opposed to these proposals include Republicans who want to ensure ICE agents are able to go wherever they must, and as much information as possible, in order to locate, arrest and deport people who are living in the U.S. without the proper documents.
Stepped up immigration enforcement and deportations is a key issue for President Donald Trump, who has been heralding significant progress made in this area since his term began.