MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that would allow local and state law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws, a move supporters say is aimed at enhancing community safety but which critics argue could undermine trust and promote racial profiling.
The measure, House Bill 7, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity), passed with a vote of 74-26. If enacted, it would authorize sheriff’s deputies, police officers, and state troopers to detain individuals suspected of being in the country without legal authorization and transfer them into federal custody.
“This bill will be key to the process of securing the safety of our communities,” Yarbrough said during debate. “It’s got common sense protections in there and accountability and transparency.”
Expanded Authority for Local Agencies
Currently, only the Alabama Attorney General’s Office has the authority to collaborate with federal immigration agencies. HB 7 would expand that power to local and state law enforcement, enabling them to enter into agreements with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.
Under the bill, officers would be allowed to arrest individuals based on immigration status “when authorized by federal law.” To do so, they must verify status using official documents like passports or permanent resident cards.
The House adopted a substitute version of the bill in a 77-20 vote, softening some provisions. Notably, it removed a requirement that the Attorney General publicly identify agencies not complying with the law. Under the revised version, disclosure is now optional.
Immigration in Alabama Remains Low
According to 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, just 4% of Alabama’s population is foreign-born, far below the national average of 14.3%. Only 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home, compared to 22.5% nationally.
Opposition Raises Concerns About Profiling and Fear
Democrats in the House voiced strong opposition, arguing the bill could foster stereotypes, promote racial profiling, and damage relationships between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) expressed concern for his foreign-born constituents, stating the bill could instill fear in individuals who are not engaged in any wrongdoing.
“Bringing local law enforcement into the equation is going to create a lot of fear among people that are not doing anything wrong, that aren’t committing crimes,” Ensler said. “They’re just trying to work hard and provide for their families.”
Rep. Neil Rafferty (D-Birmingham) warned the measure could lead to racial profiling and discourage crime victims in immigrant communities from cooperating with police.
“When local police are perceived as immigration agents, victims and witnesses of crimes within immigrant communities become reluctant to come forward,” Rafferty said. “That doesn’t make communities safer—it actually makes them far more dangerous.”
Rep. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham) also criticized the bill, pointing out that U.S. citizens commit the vast majority of crimes and cautioning against singling out immigrants.
“I think it’s so unfair for us to just focus on one group of people,” Moore said. “Studies have repeatedly proven that.”
Tragedy Sparks Legislative Push
Yarbrough said he was motivated to file the bill following the 2024 killing of Laken Riley, a Georgia college student allegedly murdered by a person without legal immigration status. He suggested that legislation like HB 7 might have prevented her death.
Rafferty, however, argued the tragedy stemmed from a breakdown in communication between law enforcement agencies—not a gap in existing laws.
“The failure wasn’t in our laws, but in the implementation and coordination between agencies,” he said. “If it doesn’t address the actual systemic failures…then it won’t prevent future tragedies.”
Next Steps
The bill now advances to the Alabama Senate, where it will face further debate.
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