In Support of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Accountability Act

We, the undersigned organizations, community leaders, faith institutions, and advocacy groups across Georgia, write in strong support of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Accountability Act. This legislation establishes clear statewide standards for how state and local agencies interact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ensuring that immigration‑related actions in Georgia are lawful, transparent, and consistent with constitutional protections.

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Across our communities, we have seen the consequences of unlawful detentions, racial profiling, and inconsistent practices that place families at risk and expose local governments to significant legal liability. The absence of statewide guidelines has created confusion for law enforcement, fear among residents, and costly litigation for counties and municipalities.

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The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Accountability Act provides a balanced, responsible framework that benefits all Georgians by:

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• Requiring a judicial warrant before any individual can be detained solely on the basis of an ICE detainer request

• Ensuring due‑process protections, including written notice of rights before ICE interviews individuals in custody

• Prohibiting racial profiling and immigration‑based stops without legal authority

• Mandating transparency, including quarterly public reporting of all ICE requests and actions

• Reducing legal exposure for counties and cities by ensuring compliance with constitutional standards

 

These reforms do not impede lawful federal immigration enforcement. Instead, they ensure that any cooperation between Georgia agencies and ICE is grounded in due process, judicial oversight, and respect for civil rights.

Our coalition believes that public safety is strengthened when communities trust their institutions, when laws are applied fairly, and when government actions are transparent and accountable. This legislation advances those principles and reflects the values of a diverse and growing Georgia.

 

We urge the General Assembly to support fmr. State Representative Farooq Mughal's Immigration and Customs Enforcement Accountability Act and to affirm Georgia’s commitment to constitutional protections, responsible governance, and the safety and dignity of all residents.