CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A bill introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates would limit where immigration enforcement actions may take place within the state.
House Bill 5361, introduced Monday by Delegate Kayla Young (D-Kanawha), proposes creating a new category of “sensitive locations” where immigration enforcement activities would generally be prohibited.
The measure reflects concerns about enforcement actions occurring in places residents rely on for safety, healthcare, education and other essential services.
Under the proposal, law enforcement agencies would be barred from conducting immigration-related arrests, detentions, searches or surveillance at designated locations.
Those locations would include schools and other educational institutions from preschool through college, houses of worship, hospitals and healthcare facilities, courthouses, and social service organizations that serve children, pregnant women, victims of domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals with disabilities.
The bill allows for limited exceptions. Immigration enforcement could still occur at these locations if authorized by a court order or if necessary to address an immediate threat to public safety.
If enacted, the legislation would establish these restrictions under state law, regardless of any changes to federal immigration enforcement policies.
House Bill 5361 has been referred to the West Virginia House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
