Mississippi Law Creates Registry of Undocumented Immigrants

A new Mississippi law, SB 2114, takes effect Wednesday, June 30, 2026, authorizing the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to compile a statewide registry of undocumented immigrants. The agency may use all reasonable lawful investigative means to collect names, addresses, countries of origin, ages, criminal histories, and deportation statuses.

The law directs the department to share information on suspected law violators with state and local authorities. While the statute does not explicitly mandate sharing the database with federal authorities, it requires the department and county detention agencies to seek cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Section 287(g).

State Senator Angela Hill, the measure's sponsor, argues the registry is necessary to understand the magnitude of illegal immigration and combat human and drug trafficking. Conversely, advocates from the National Immigration Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi warn the law encourages profiling and may undermine trust between residents and police. Critics also suggest the registry will facilitate mass deportations under the administration of President Donald Trump.