A new law in Mississippi is set to take effect on June 29, 2026, permitting the state's Department of Public Safety to compile a list of undocumented immigrants residing in the state. The law allows the department to use various investigative means to identify illegal immigrants, including collecting their names, addresses, and countries of origin. It may also include information on any criminal history and deportation proceedings.
State Senator Angela Hill, a Republican who sponsored the bill, stated that the law aims to assist the federal government in addressing illegal immigration, which she claims is linked to crimes such as human and drug trafficking. Hill emphasized the need to understand the scope of illegal immigration in Mississippi.
The law authorizes an ongoing effort to track undocumented immigrants for two years, including those who overstay visas. Advocates for immigrants have expressed concerns that this could complicate legal status changes and create a climate of fear within communities. Efrén Olivares from the National Immigration Law Center described the law as potentially unworkable and reminiscent of practices in other countries that have targeted specific groups.
Jessica Vaughan from the Center for Immigration Studies argued that the law could help bring undocumented individuals to the attention of federal authorities. However, critics warn that it may divert law enforcement resources from public safety to immigration enforcement, potentially harming community trust in law enforcement.
Mississippi has one of the lowest percentages of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., with fewer than 28,000 individuals, according to 2023 Census Bureau data. The law is part of a broader trend, with over 100 immigration-related laws adopted in various states this year, reflecting ongoing national debates over immigration policy.