Ignacio Cambero Maldonado v. Rebecca González et al.

The ACLU of Puerto Rico is fighting to protect the rights of migrant communities and ensure that no one is targeted, detained, or denied access to essential services because of who they are or where they come from. House Bill 331 would reaffirm Puerto Rico’s commitment to human rights by prohibiting local police from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement and restricting detentions in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and churches. With anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies once again threatening communities across the U.S., Puerto Rico has a critical opportunity to lead by example — protecting human dignity, public safety, and trust in our local institutions. This legislation is not just about policy; it’s about protecting lives. It ensures that families can seek healthcare, education, and safety without fear. It strengthens the bonds between the community and law enforcement, making everyone safer in the process. Join us in defending Puerto Rico’s migrant community. Urge your legislator to vote YES on House Bill 331.

Every municipality in Puerto Rico has both the power and the duty to protect all who live within its borders. This campaign promotes the adoption of municipal community protection ordinances, legal tools that prohibit the use of city funds, staff, or resources to enforce federal immigration laws. These ordinances do not violate any federal law and do not interfere with ICE’s authority. Rather, they ensure that municipalities are not forced to become extensions of the federal deportation system, keeping local budgets focused on public safety, health, and community well-being. Federal courts have consistently affirmed that local governments are not required to cooperate with ICE. Section 1373 of federal law —often misused— does not impose penalties or require the sharing of information beyond immigration status, nor does it criminalize non-cooperation. Therefore, municipal protection is lawful, constitutional, and essential for building safer, more humane communities. When residents trust their local officials, they are more likely to report crimes, seek medical care, and engage in civic life. Municipal protection is fundamentally a policy of public safety, justice, and human dignity.