The March 26, 2026 memorandum addresses immigration law enforcement policies across state government, directing all Attorney General office personnel to implement policies that build trust with immigrant communities while maintaining compliance with federal law. The guidance comes as Tong described a dramatic shift in federal immigration enforcement over the past 14 months, including ICE agents "ripping parents from their children" and "killing protestors."
Tong, writing as Connecticut's "Chief Legal Officer and Chief civil law enforcement official" and "a son and grandson of immigrants and refugees," said his office has "heard from countless Connecticut residents concerned about their safety and that of their neighbors in light of ICE activity in Connecticut and elsewhere." The memorandum responds to what Tong characterized as the federal government's rescission of policies that previously protected against immigration enforcement in sensitive places such as churches, schools and hospitals.
The policy directive establishes that Connecticut will "respect, honor and protect immigrants and immigrant families in compliance with state and federal law" and requires all state legal directors to consult with the Attorney General's office on immigration-related matters when necessary. The guidance covers Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches, the limited civil authority of ICE agents, and distinctions between administrative and judicial warrants and subpoenas.
The memorandum addresses obligations under the Connecticut Trust Act and provides guidance to both public agencies and private organizations on information sharing with federal immigration authorities. It includes detailed analysis of the differences between civil immigration laws and criminal statutes, along with sample enforcement documents and frequently asked questions about federal immigration enforcement.
"Connecticut is in full compliance with federal law with respect to immigration matters and any claim or suggestion otherwise is false," Tong stated in the memo, explicitly rejecting characterization of the state as a "sanctuary state." The guidance emphasizes building trust between immigrants and state officials, law enforcement, and first responders.
The memorandum represents Tong's response to what he described as unprecedented federal immigration enforcement tactics. Special Counsel for Civil Rights Janelle Medeiros assisted in preparing the guidance, which the Attorney General's office emphasized is not an official legal opinion but rather policy guidance based on their legal analysis.
The document serves as a framework for state agencies navigating the intersection of federal immigration enforcement and state law obligations, providing practical guidance for officials dealing with ICE interactions while maintaining Connecticut's position of federal law compliance.