Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) led over a dozen of their Republican colleagues in introducing the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act to allow local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and pull taxpayer-funded grants to sanctuary cities.
“Sanctuary cities that prohibit their law enforcement officers from working with federal immigration authorities not only undermine our federal immigration laws, but also put law-abiding citizens at risk and create even more of an incentive for illegal immigration. This is the last thing we need as the humanitarian and national security crisis on our southern border – exacerbated by the Biden administration’s policies – continues to rage. I am proud to support this legislation and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure law and order is upheld in every community,” Boozman said.
“So-called ‘sanctuary cities’ refuse to enforce the laws on the books and release violent criminals in our country illegally—including rapists and murders—who go on to prey on both American citizens and the immigrant community. Moreover, many of these sanctuary jurisdictions actively prevent state and local law enforcement from coordinating with their federal counterparts. They release murderers, rapists, and burglars who end up preying on the community. That is wrong. The American people, and Texas communities in particular, are tired of seeing our laws flouted and the crime that often accompanies illegal immigration. These jurisdictions need to be held accountable, and I will do everything I can to enforce our immigration laws,” Cruz said.
Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tim Scott (R-SC), James Lankford (R-OK) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) are also cosponsors of the bill.
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the AFL-CIO and the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department have all endorsed this legislation.
“Sanctuary policies not only jeopardize public safety, they also place an impossible burden on law enforcement officers who have taken an oath to enforce the laws equally and impartially. The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act will ensure that my members and police officers across this country no longer must choose between obeying local political dictates and the duty to protect their communities by cooperating with federal immigration officials to turn over violent criminals,” said Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) of the New York City Police Department.
“Law enforcement is best able to maintain public safety when we work together at all levels. Unfortunately, sanctuary cities inhibit law enforcement collaboration, even when officers on the ground have a strong desire to work with federal agencies. This is a dangerous game to play. Especially considering federal law enforcement will not abdicate our authority to enforce the law against those that pose a threat. Therefore, sanctuary cities merely require additional federal resources to fill intelligence gaps and impose additional risks on law enforcement responding to situations,” said Larry Cosme, President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
“Sanctuary cities across the country have adopted policies which undermine cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies. These policies have allowed violent offending illegal immigrants to run rampant in our cities and endanger innocent lives. The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act recognizes the threat posed by these violent offenders and encourages local governments to comply with federal requests to detain these criminals. This act will provide necessary tools to help prevent crime and ensure our streets are safer for the American people,” said Bill Johnson, the Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations.
“The notion that a municipality can forbid law enforcement officials from sharing information or complying with a lawful detainer from federal immigration officials borders on insanity. We have seen repeatedly the victimization of people, including children, by persons who have been released from custody in disobedience to these detainers. For the federal government to assist these municipalities with funding is also absurd,” said Sam Cabral, the International President for International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO.
Read the full text of the bill here.