The proposed bill, known as the Anti-Sanctuary Act, mandates that law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire comply with federal immigration detainers for inmates when it is safe to do so. It prohibits state and local government entities from enacting sanctuary policies that would obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Additionally, the bill restricts law enforcement agencies from investigating an inmate's citizenship status unless it follows an alleged violation of state law or is authorized by law. It also prohibits blanket policies against compliance with immigration detainers and ensures that government entities cannot limit the sharing of inmate immigration information.
The bill includes specific definitions for terms such as "federal immigration agency," "immigration detainer," and "sanctuary policy," and outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies regarding immigration detainers. It provides exceptions for certain witnesses or victims of crimes, ensuring that individuals who may be unlawfully present but are victims of serious crimes are not subjected to immigration detainers unless specific conditions are met. The enforcement of this act will be overseen by the attorney general, who can take legal action against entities that violate the provisions of the bill. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.