Committee approves Lake and Raleigh Act enabling law enforcement's immigration cooperation

The Alabama House Judiciary Committee convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing local and state law enforcement's ability to enforce existing immigration laws through partnerships with the federal government. The meeting focused on the introduction and amendment of a bill known as the Lake and Raleigh Act.

The primary objective of the bill is to allow state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with federal authorities, specifically to facilitate the enforcement of immigration laws without introducing new regulations. This initiative is framed as a measure to improve safety within communities.

During the session, Representative Robbins proposed an amendment to the bill, which underwent a thorough discussion. The amendment included several key changes: it modified the requirement for the Attorney General to issue a press release if a sheriff was found to be in violation of the law, changing it from a mandatory to a permissive action. Additionally, the amendment adjusted the language regarding the determination of lawful and immigration status of individuals, incorporating technical recommendations from the Legislative Services Agency.

Another notable change was the shift from a mandatory requirement for sheriff's offices to report the number of inmates and foreign nationals on public platforms to a permissive one, allowing counties the option to disclose this information if they choose. This adjustment aims to accommodate counties with limited technological resources.

Following the discussion, the committee voted to adopt the proposed amendments, which were approved unanimously. The committee then moved to report the bill as amended, with further inquiries from members regarding the rationale behind the legislation and its implications for local law enforcement practices.

The meeting concluded with a clear path forward for the Lake and Raleigh Act, reflecting ongoing efforts to address immigration enforcement at the local level while considering the operational capacities of various counties. The committee's actions signal a continued focus on immigration issues within Alabama, as lawmakers seek to navigate the complexities of federal and state law enforcement collaboration.