A new law in Mississippi will allow the state’s top law enforcement agency to compile a list of all illegal immigrants living in the state. The law, set to take effect, has sparked alarm among immigrant advocates who fear it could be used to target immigrants.

Concerns Over the Law

The law directs the state Department of Public Safety to use all reasonable lawful investigative means to determine the number and identities of all illegal immigrants in Mississippi. This includes collecting their names, addresses, country of origin, and whether they are an adult or minor. The department is also directed to share information on those suspected of violating laws with state and local authorities.

Republican state Sen. Angela Hill, who sponsored the measure, said states have a right and obligation to assist the U.S. government in discouraging illegal immigration. Hill stated that understanding the magnitude of the problem is crucial to addressing it.

Immigration Laws Proliferate in States

Nationwide, states have enacted over 100 immigration-related laws this year. In Republican-led states, these measures have aligned with President Donald Trump’s agenda, requiring local sheriffs to sign cooperative agreements with ICE and reinforcing eligibility restrictions for public benefits.

Some question how the Mississippi law will work, as it envisions an ongoing effort to keep track of illegal immigrants in the state for the next two years. This could get complicated as people’s immigration status changes.

Advocates say the law could break trust with police and redirect law enforcement resources away from protecting the public to investigating people from foreign countries who may be contributing to the economy.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.