Restoring Community Trust Act of 2026

The "Restoring Community Trust Act of 2026" proposes to repeal Section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 , which currently mandates or encourages state and local government agencies to communicate immigration status information to federal authorities. This legislative action aims to restore the constitutional balance of power, affirming the principle of dual sovereignty where states retain distinct authority over their internal governmental operations and employees. The bill asserts that the federal government cannot compel states to administer or enforce federal regulatory programs, citing relevant Supreme Court precedents. The repeal is intended to address concerns that Section 642 intrudes upon state and local governments' ability to establish policies governing information sharing, thereby undermining trust between residents and public institutions, including law enforcement. By eliminating this federal mandate, the bill seeks to foster community trust, reduce legal uncertainty, and allow state and local entities to prioritize public safety and emergency response without federal interference in their information-sharing practices. Crucially, the legislation clarifies that its repeal would not limit the federal government's authority to enforce immigration laws, nor would it prohibit voluntary communication or cooperation between state, local, and federal agencies, provided it is consistent with applicable state or local law.