House Bill 5495 seeks to remove immunity for federal agents accused of violating the Fourth Amendment. The legislation targets stops or arrests based solely on personal characteristics. The proposal follows reports tied to a leaked high court memo. It would apply to federal agencies operating within Michigan.
by Chrystal BlairPublic News Service
Concerns about federal immigration enforcement practices are fueling a new proposal in the Michigan Legislature. Rep. Carrie Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor, introduced House Bill 5495 last week, after announcing it publicly on Feb. 2. The proposed legislation would change how federal officers can be held accountable when constitutional rights are violated. Rheingans explained the details of her bill. "House Bill 5495 would remove immunity for federal agents to be prosecuted in state court if they violate the Fourth Amendment or if they detain people, arrest people based only on personal characteristics," Rheingans outlined. She pointed out the proposal follows reports of a leaked high court memo, which, she argued, allows stops based on personal characteristics. The bill has been referred to committee, where it would need a hearing before it could move forward in the Michigan House. The legislation comes amid a broader national debate over federal enforcement practices and civil liberties. Rheingans added she did not expect to be taking on the federal government when she ran for office but stressed recent actions have forced her hand. "Unfortunately, as a state lawmaker, I never ran for office thinking that I would have to protect Michiganders from the federal government in this way," Rheingans added. If the bill becomes law, it would apply to any federal agency operating in Michigan, including immigration and homeland security officers.
