LANSING, MI – During a state House committee hearing this week, Rep. Reggie Miller, D-Van Buren Township, recalled opening the curtains of her Miami hotel room several years ago, hoping to take in a lovely view.

Community leaders and advocates urged legislators to pass a set of bills seeking to limit the actions of federal immigration agents in a charged hearing of the Michigan Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on Thursday.

The Michigan Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee heard passionate testimony Thursday on three bills that would significantly restrict immigration enforcement activities statewide.

Michigan AG Dana Nessel praised the Senate's approval of bills to combat human trafficking, highlighting the state's high incidence of the crime and her office's proactive efforts against it.

The state Senate unanimously passed bills that would increase the penalties for human trafficking in Michigan.

The bills — all sponsored by Democrats — would forbid immigration enforcement actions at schools, houses of worship, and hospitals, and bar law enforcement from wearing masks in many situations.

With emotions flaring at times, Michigan Senators heard from those opposed to and in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a packed hearing.