The bill enacts Part III of Chapter 1 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, establishing a prohibition on sanctuary policies for illegal immigration. It defines key terms such as "federal immigration agency," "immigration detainer," and "sanctuary policy," and mandates that state entities, law enforcement agencies, and local governmental entities cannot adopt or maintain any sanctuary policies that impede cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The bill outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies regarding immigration detainers, including notifying judges of detainees subject to such detainers and maintaining records related to these cases.
Additionally, the bill provides for enforcement mechanisms, allowing the attorney general to file suit against local entities that violate the provisions of this Part. If a violation is found, the court can enjoin the unlawful sanctuary policy and maintain jurisdiction to enforce its orders. The bill also includes provisions to protect victims and witnesses of crimes from being reported to federal immigration authorities under certain circumstances, ensuring that cooperation in criminal investigations is not hindered by immigration status concerns. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.