HB7 Summary

• Designates existing sections 31-13-1 through 31-13-35 as Article 1 and creates new Article 2 (the "Laken Riley Act") to Chapter 13 of Title 31, Code of Alabama 1975, establishing comprehensive immigration enforcement procedures.

• Authorizes state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with federal agencies to enforce federal immigration laws and allows officers to arrest individuals suspected of being illegal aliens with probable cause.

• Requires county and municipal jails to determine immigration status of inmates through contact with the Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including obtaining documentation and interpreters when necessary.

• Mandates jails honor immigration detainer requests issued by ICE and prohibits release of illegal aliens for up to 48 hours unless a federal judge or magistrate signed warrant is received within that timeframe.

• Requires jails to prepare and post quarterly reports on their websites containing inmate statistics, foreign national counts, immigration inquiry responses, and detainer information, with annual submission to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.

• Becomes effective June 1, 2025.