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Swarnjit Singh defends Norwich immigrants amid ICE concerns
The Norwich mayor said local police follow Connecticut's Trust Act and do not facilitate ICE enforcement actions.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 03, Aug 2026
- 02:18 EDT
- 29
Mayor Swarnjit Singh / Swarnjit Singh via Facebook
Swarnjit Singh, the Indian-origin mayor of Norwich, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring safety for the immigrant community after alleged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity around the city, saying the federal agency is not welcome there.
In a social media post on Facebook, Singh said no one in Norwich should be afraid to go to work, send their children to school or engage with the Norwich Police Department (NPD) because of their immigration status.
“Following recent social media posts shared by many raising concerns about reported ICE activity around Norwich, I wanted to reaffirm my position and the actions being taken behind the scenes,” he said.
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He did not elaborate on the social media posts or the ICE activity.
Singh said he has always and will always support the immigrant community of Norwich.
The mayor said the Norwich Police Department complies fully with the Connecticut Trust Act, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. He said the department does not stop individuals based on their immigration status and does not assist or facilitate ICE enforcement actions.
“My position is the same as Governor Lamont’s: ‘ICE, go home. You are not welcome here,’” he said.
“Following ICE’s recent activity in Norwich, I followed up with community leaders, local organizations and state officials who work with these communities directly to reaffirm the city’s commitment to ensuring that all residents feel safe and supported, while coordinating the proper safety plans moving forward,” he said.
“These conversations with these organizations will continue in the coming weeks as we work collaboratively to protect these communities and identify the ways the city can best assist within its role,” he said.
“I have carried consistent communication about this matter with Norwich Police Chief Pat Daley, and after this incident I spoke with NPD Deputy Chief Tom Lazzaro to reaffirm the Norwich Police Department’s commitment to the Connecticut Trust Act and to ensure that the department’s protocols are clearly understood by the community,” he said.
The city will continue to follow Connecticut law and the state's Trust Act while maintaining open communication with community leaders and organizations serving immigrant residents, Singh said.
“I want our immigrant communities to know that they are part of Norwich, and we will continue to listen, communicate and work together to make sure people feel safe and supported,” he added.
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