Jailers in Georgia are now required to verify the immigration status of inmates and assist in enforcing federal immigration laws, following the passage of a bill prompted by a tragic incident where a Venezuelan man was accused of fatally beating a nursing student at the University of Georgia.
Governor Brian Kemp signed the bill at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth on Wednesday. The new law takes immediate effect. Additionally, Kemp signed another law that mandates cash bail for 30 additional crimes and limits cash bonds posted by individuals and charitable bail funds to three people per year unless they meet bail bond company criteria, effective July 1.
Kemp emphasized that House Bill 1105, the immigration bill, became a priority after the death of Laken Riley, allegedly at the hands of Jose Ibarra, who authorities say illegally entered the United States in 2022.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp speaks (Via Chris Baker/Getty Images)
Riley’s killing sparked political controversy, with conservatives criticizing President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.
“If you enter our country illegally and commit crimes in our communities, we will hold you accountable,” Kemp declared.
Critics argue the law could lead to local law enforcement acting as immigration agents, discouraging immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with police. They also cite studies showing immigrants are less likely to commit crimes compared to native-born Americans.
The new law mandates jail officials to check with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to determine the immigration status of prisoners, replacing a previous guideline that encouraged such checks. Failure to comply is now a misdemeanor, and local governments that do not cooperate risk losing state funding.
