As federal immigration enforcement policies expand, a new online resource aims to equip state and local leaders with tools to respond effectively to their communities’ needs.
NEW HAVEN, CT / WASHINGTON, DC — In response to the growing impact of federal immigration enforcement policies on local communities, the American Immigration Council (AIC) and Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) have launched the Immigration Response Playbook. This new online resource is designed to assist state and local leaders in navigating the complexities of immigration enforcement.
The Immigration Response Playbook consolidates policy examples, legal frameworks, and practical tools from various jurisdictions across the country. Its goal is to empower communities by providing them with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding immigration enforcement.
According to the AIC and IRIS, municipal and state leaders often express a desire to protect their communities but frequently lack the information or legal authority to act effectively. The Playbook aims to bridge this knowledge gap by offering a comprehensive resource organized specifically for decision-makers facing urgent situations.
“The Trump administration is maximizing fear and confusion to intimidate our communities, inflicting a new level of cruelty with its lawless actions,” said William Tong, the Connecticut Attorney General. “I thank IRIS and the AIC for compiling this comprehensive playbook of strategies and policy tools to strengthen local and state protections against federal overreach. The Office of the Attorney General will continue to work closely with IRIS and community partners to respect, honor, and protect immigrants and immigrant families.”
This collaboration leverages IRIS’s extensive experience in immigrant and refugee services, developed over more than 40 years in Connecticut, alongside AIC’s depth in policy research and its established relationships with state and local programs. The result is a resource informed not only by legal analysis but also by the real-world experiences of those engaged in this work.
“Local and state leaders are facing urgent questions as federal immigration enforcement actions create fear or confusion in their communities. This playbook brings together practical tools, legal frameworks, and examples from across the country so that local leaders can make informed decisions grounded in what their community needs,” said Rich André, AIC Director of State and Local Initiatives.
The Immigration Response Playbook includes various features aimed at assisting local leaders:
It offers real-world policy examples from cities and states that have successfully navigated enforcement actions, as well as community protection measures and related legal questions.
The Playbook also provides legal frameworks and implementation tools, which are derived from AIC’s policy research and are regularly updated to reflect shifting federal enforcement priorities.
Additionally, it includes links to existing resources from both IRIS and AIC, such as IRIS’s New Americans platform and AIC’s research and analysis.
Regular updates will ensure that the Playbook reflects emerging trends, new jurisdictional examples, and evolving legal guidance.
<p“State and local leaders have been reaching out to us asking what they can do to protect their communities. Our research led us to AIC. Like us, they know that these leaders do better when they can learn from one another. This playbook puts that idea into action, both policy expertise and field-tested practice in a regularly updated, efficient, searchable knowledge hub,” said Maggie Mitchell Salem, IRIS Executive Director.
The Immigration Response Playbook is now available at playbook.irisct.org and will be continuously updated to meet the needs of local leaders.
About IRIS: Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services welcomes refugees and other immigrants, helping them rebuild their lives, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the vitality of their communities. Founded in 1982, IRIS promotes economic mobility, legal stability, language equity, and civic engagement through its New Americans platform. Learn more at irisct.org.
About the American Immigration Council: The American Immigration Council works to create a more welcoming and fair immigration system. Through litigation, research, and programs that expand access to legal assistance, the Council ensures that immigrants are embraced, communities are enriched, and justice prevails for all. Follow the Council on BlueSky @immcouncil.org and Instagram @immcouncil.
For media inquiries, contact:
IRIS: Maggie Mitchell Salem, msalem@irisct.org
American Immigration Council: Elyssa Pachico, epachico@immcouncil.org
According to American Immigration Council, the Immigration Response Playbook is a vital tool for local leaders facing the challenges of federal immigration enforcement.