The Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta is stepping up efforts to protect migrants after passage of HB 1105

The Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta responds to new law.

HB 1105 was recently passed in Georgia.

Concerns rise over family separations.

The Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta is stepping up its efforts to protect migrants.

This follows the passage of Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act of 2024.

Also known as Georgia HB 1105, this legislation requires police and jailers to report the immigration status of detainees.

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The Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta responds to HB 1105

Photo: Shutterstock

Signed into law by Republican Governor Brian Kemp, HB 1105 aims to enhance cooperation between local and federal authorities, particularly on immigration matters in Georgia.

This could lead to severe consequences for migrant families, the Mexican consulate warns.

This could include family separations, discriminatory practices and racial profiling.

It may also deter immigrants from reporting crimes.

The new law was sparked by Laken Riley’s murder

Photo: The Associated Press

According to the Government of Mexico’s website, studies show that migrants have a lower crime rate compared to native-born Americans.

However, the law was sparked by the case of Venezuelan migrant José Ibarra, who was arrested for the murder of Laken Riley.

Immigration authorities report that Ibarra entered the United States illegally in 2022, fueling debates over border security and immigration control.

The Mexican community in Georgia, which makes up more than 11% of the state’s total population, plays a significant role in sectors like agriculture, forestry, construction and other services, according to consulate data.

What else does the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta say?

The Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta / Photo: Shutterstock

The law is set to take effect on July 1, raising concerns among those opposed to the new measure.

It could turn local police into an «immigration police,» discouraging immigrants from cooperating with authorities and instilling fear in the migrant community.

The new law stipulates specific requirements for jail officials to communicate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

They will be required to determine the immigration status of inmates, making it a crime if they fail to check it, according to Voice of America.