LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Thomas Albert this week introduced a plan to strengthen Michigan’s ability to address illegal immigration.

The legislation would support a partnership between local law enforcement and federal immigration efforts, while making illegal entry into Michigan a state-level crime.

“Immigration helped build Michigan and the United States — but it should be accomplished legally with processes that affirm the rule of law,” said Albert R-Lowell. “All should be welcome to come to the U.S. if they use lawfully available immigration pathways. Unfortunately, much of the immigration in recent years has been illegal, and there is a right and duty to secure our nation’s borders to improve public safety.”

Senate Bills 42 and 43 would:

• Require reasonable efforts at the local level to determine the immigration status of a criminal offender after a lawful arrest.
• Require law enforcement agencies operating local jails to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
• Support local law enforcement cooperation with federal authorities through grants.
• Create the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Support Fund, with funding to be determined during the state budget process.

Senate Bills 44 and 45 would:

• Align state and federal law to better assist federal authorities with enforcement, making it a state crime for illegal immigrants to enter Michigan unlawfully.
• Allow illegal immigrants to avoid state prosecution for being in Michigan illegally if they agree to return to their foreign homeland via a legal port of entry. This would not apply to repeat offenders or those charged with separate crimes.

Albert introduced versions of SBs 42 and 43 during the 2023-24 legislative session. SBs 44 and 45 are modeled after a Texas law that has been enacted but is on hold pending legal proceedings.

“The border has been broken for so long, it’s unrealistic to expect the federal government to fix this crisis alone,” Albert said. “Every state feels the strain on public resources, and it also raises public safety concerns. The state of Michigan should assist in efforts to keep our borders secure as part of the overall effort to combat the flow of drugs, human trafficking and other crimes.”

Albert’s bills are expected to be read into the Senate record next week.

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