House Bill 1105, known as the ‘Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act’ was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on May 1, 2024. As a result, the majority of the law went into effect except for section 10 which talks about the creation of reports by county and municipal jails that will go into effect on December 31 of this year.
HB 1105 would mandate local law enforcement to apply to enter into 287(g) contracts that deputize local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law. This disastrous policy would result in racial profiling, terrorize immigrant communities, and waste local resources. To learn more about HB 1105 and how it will impact undocumented immigrant communities in Georgia, access GLAHR and Project South’s fact sheet here.
GLAHR, its community members, and allied organizations have opposed HB 1105 since it was first introduced to the Georgia legislature on 1/31/24. In our fight against the harmful bill, we launched a letter-writing campaign with over 5,000 signatures asking politicians to say no to HB 1105 and held rallies denouncing it. Hundreds of those letters were explicitly addressed to Governor Kemp, demanding he veto HB 1105. Along with allied partners at the Georgia Capitol, GLAHR delivered the letters to the governor’s office.
To rally further against HB 1105, GLAHR held three days of action. On May 1, a rally was held at the Georgia Capitol to show state leaders that the people of Georgia oppose the anti-immigrant law. This was followed by a walk opposing the law to the governor’s mansion on May 2, a day after it was signed. On May 3, GLAHR took to the streets to inform the Latino immigrant community on HB 1105 and how they can protect their rights at more than 14 locations across the state.
It is time to recognize and value the efforts and contributions of the immigrant community. They are not just part of Georgia’s economy; they are part of its soul.
GLAHR, Project South, and allied organizations condemn the signing of HB 1105. We will continue to work to inform the community about the new law and how they can exercise their constitutional rights.
Let’s honor and protect the diversity that makes Georgia stronger!
