by Donald Eng
STAMFORD, CT — While Gov. Ned Lamont may talk tough about federal immigration policies – including an “ICE, go home” comment that triggered a partial Republican walkout during the State of the State Address – his actions have not lived up to his rhetoric, state Rep. Josh Elliott said Wednesday.
Flanked by immigration advocates, the Hamden Democrat challenging Lamont to a primary election said Lamont was too fearful of the federal government. He declared himself the candidate willing to stand up to the administration of President Donald Trump, aligning himself philosophically with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, an outspoken critic of Trump and ICE.
“We saw how governors who stand up for these marginalized communities are out in the streets protesting with them. Are putting laws into place to protect them. To use verbiage to get people to understand that the federal government is simply out of control,” Elliott said.
Elliott had made protection from ICE part of what he called his Day 1 agenda. In that campaign statement he said he would instruct the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to arrest any ICE agent in Connecticut who violates the state law prohibiting law enforcement personnel from wearing masks or who violates the protected spaces law that protects people in places like courthouses, schools and hospitals. He also would create a hotline to report violations of the Trust Act on his first day in office, he said.
“We will fully enforce our laws and not allow our civil liberties to be trampled,” he said.
His legislative agenda for 2027 would include expanding the sensitive locations protected under law by adding community health centers, family planning clinics and outpatient medical settings. He also pledged to create a $10 million legal defense fund for immigrants facing detention or deportation.
“Justice shouldn’t come down to who can afford (a lawyer),” he said.
Lamont’s campaign in return, said he shared the anger about what ICE has been doing in Connecticut’s communities.
“That’s why he used his State of the State Address this year to speak up in a way few politicians were doing at the time,” said Lauren Gray, campaign communications director. “That’s why he is daily on the phone with state police, and why the Governor’s office works directly with lawyers and advocates for our immigrant communities on ways we can keep families safe.”
Gray criticized Elliott for commenting on the ICE bill, saying he had missed key votes on the bill, and could have raised his proposals as amendments.
“A press conference now is typical Josh – all talk,” she said.
Early voting in the August 11 Democratic primary has begun and runs through Sunday.
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