WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik joined Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY) in introducing the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act.
As the House companion to Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) bill, this legislation would block federal funding for sanctuary jurisdictions that prohibit local law enforcement authorities from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
“Sanctuary cities in New York State shield criminal illegals while hurting law-abiding citizens,” said Chairwoman Stefanik. “Under the failed Far Left Democrat leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, sanctuary cities incentivize illegal migration into New York State overrunning social services, drive up housing costs, and reduce wages."
“The violence we are seeing happen in LA right now is a cautionary tale for New York, another sanctuary state catering to criminal illegal immigrants and left-wing extremists,” said Congressman Langworthy. “State and local governments MUST comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts, and if they don’t, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act would withhold federal financial assistance from them. We must stand with our heroic ICE officers, our men and women in blue, and with the American people who cry out for safety and common sense in their local governments.”
The bill clarifies the legal authority for local and state law enforcement to honor federal immigration detainer requests by deeming officers who comply to be acting as federal agents. It protects law enforcement by shielding officers and jurisdictions from liability when they cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Lastly, it encourages compliance with federal immigration law by targeting jurisdictions that defy lawful detainer requests and shield illegal immigrants from removal.
Background:
Sanctuary cities are actively undermining federal immigration enforcement by refusing to cooperate with ICE detainer requests and releasing dangerous criminals back onto the streets. These reckless policies have led to preventable tragedies, putting political posturing above public safety. Across the country, Americans are paying the price for local jurisdictions that shield violent offenders and flout federal law.
Read more here.
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