Restoring Community Trust Act of 2026
Summary
The Restoring Community Trust Act of 2026 aims to repeal Section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA). Section 642 currently regulates communication between government agencies and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The bill seeks to restore what it defines as constitutional balance between federal and state authority.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would allow state and local governments greater autonomy in determining their policies regarding information sharing with federal immigration authorities. It could lead to varying levels of cooperation across different jurisdictions. The federal government would retain its authority to enforce immigration laws independently.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthens the principle of federalism by preventing federal overreach into state and local affairs.
- Fosters trust between local communities and public institutions, including law enforcement.
- Reduces legal uncertainty and litigation costs for state and local governments related to Section 642.
- Allows states to tailor their policies to local needs and priorities regarding immigration enforcement.
- Clarifies that states can still cooperate with federal immigration authorities if they choose to do so.
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder federal immigration enforcement efforts by limiting information flow from state and local agencies.
- Could create inconsistencies in immigration enforcement across different states and localities.
- May lead to increased illegal immigration in states with less cooperative policies.
- Potential for increased strain on federal resources if states choose not to cooperate.
- Concerns that reduced information sharing could negatively impact national security.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's findings cite Supreme Court precedents like New York v. United States, Printz v. United States, and Murphy v. NCAA to support its argument that the federal government cannot compel states to enforce federal regulatory programs. This aligns with the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. The bill also acknowledges the federal government's exclusive authority over civil immigration enforcement, respecting the division of powers outlined in the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).