Coalition Says “Hands Off Connecticut”

Hands Off CT, a growing collective of organizations, churches, unions, and activists is committed to protecting our immigrant neighbors from ICE enforcement — building independent community defense networks in every city and town is stepping up their organizing to make Connecticut safe for everyone who lives here..

The coalition reports that 632,000 Immigrants live in Connecticut — 17% of the state, with 198,000 estimated undocumented residents statewide and 9,000 Temporary Protected Status holders in Connecticut.

The coalition is calling for those concerned with the rise in ICE abductions and violence to write to their state and city representatives. Their sample letter reads in part:

“Connecticut must not be complicit in the federal government's abusive immigration enforcement tactics or its creeping authoritarianism. Connecticut is not immune to ICE’s violence. We call on Connecticut’s elected officials — from the governor to mayors to the General Assembly — to take every possible action to protect our communities and resist federal overreach.

“Governor Lamont: Create a $10 million emergency fund for legal defense and family stability to ensure that people fighting deportation can access legal representation and that families facing the detention of a loved one can get immediate financial assistance for basic needs like food, housing, childcare, and transportation.

“Attorney General Tong: Create a portal through the Attorney General's office to collect reports of excessive use of force and discrimination by ICE agents and federal law enforcement, and file lawsuits against the federal government.

“To all State Leaders: Ensure our laws are enforced. Open an investigation into TRUST Act compliance and create an independent body with real authority to audit and enforce our laws, and close the records loophole ICE is using.”

Hands off CT says they are “committed to building independent and democratic community defense networks in every city, town, and neighborhood in our state. We say NO to mass deportations. NO to militarized raids. NO to fear. YES to dignity, safety, and sanctuary. Connecticut must be a safe and welcoming place for all of us, regardless of immigration status.”