Senate Bill 2196 Summary

• Creates state criminal offenses for aliens entering Mississippi outside lawful ports of entry or re-entering after federal removal, with misdemeanor penalties up to 180 days jail and $2,000 fine, or felony penalties up to 2 years and $10,000 fine for repeat offenders.

• Authorizes judges to issue removal orders requiring aliens to return to their country of origin either as alternative to prosecution (with conditions) or upon conviction, with law enforcement monitoring compliance.

• Prohibits law enforcement from arresting or detaining persons for immigration violations if they are on school grounds, in religious facilities, or at healthcare facilities receiving medical treatment.

• Provides immunity from state law liability and federal law indemnification (up to $100,000-$300,000 per occurrence) for local officials and unlimited indemnification for state officials enforcing the act, except in cases of bad faith, conscious indifference, or recklessness.

• Bars defendants convicted under this act from expunction, parole, early release, and intensive supervision programs, and allows direct appeals to Mississippi Supreme Court in civil cases involving covered officials.