MS passes bill criminalizing illegal entry into the state. Here’s what that means
Entering Mississippi without legal authorization will become a crime under a new state law set to take effect July 1.
Senate Bill 2114, authored by Mississippi Sen. Angela Hill, R-Picayune, was signed into law April 8. The bill focuses on immigration enforcement efforts, criminalizing illegal entry and requiring cooperation with federal authorities among other things.
The legislation comes amid a sweeping overhaul of United States immigration policy under the Trump Administration. In fiscal year 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made about 26,600 arrests, with about half involving individuals without a criminal conviction, according to ICE data.
Hill said the goal of the legislation is to “align state law with federal law,” Mississippi Free Press reported.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi raised concerns about the legislation in a Feb. 6 statement, saying the law will lead to racial profiling and could be a drain on local resources.
“The new felony statute is vague and gives no mention of what a police officer should look for to question someone on how they entered Mississippi and no probable cause standard for an arrest,” the ACLU of Mississippi said in a Feb. 6 statement.
Here’s what to know about Mississippi SB 2114.
What does the bill do exactly?
SB 2114 targets immigration through a few actions, including the following:
- Allows the Department of Public Safety to determine the identities of all immigrants living in Mississippi without legal permission
- Directs the DPS to enforce immigration laws as authorized pursuant to federal laws
- Requires the DPS to work with federal ICE agents
- Requires each law enforcement agency to sign 287 (g) agreements
- Makes it a felony for immigrants to enter Mississippi without legal permission outside of a lawful point of entry
- Allows sentencing courts to issue written orders requiring individuals in the state without legal permission to return to their country of origin
What are your rights as an immigrant in MS?
Immigrants in Mississippi have guaranteed rights under the Constitution, regardless of immigration status, including the following, according to the ACLU:
You have the right to
- Remain silent
- Refuse consent to a search of yourself, your car or home
- Leave calmly if you aren’t under arrest
- A lawyer if you are arrested
- Constitutional rights
