U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) voted this week for the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act, targeting the nation’s sanctuary cities, which opt not to follow federal immigration laws.
The bill would terminate certain
federal funding for cities that have sanctuary policies in place,
redirecting those funds to states and localities that comply
with the nation’s immigration laws. Additionally, the law would empower
local law enforcement to act as an agent of the Department of Homeland
Security when holding a person listed in an immigration detainer.
Wicker co-sponsored the legislation, introduced by Sen.
David Vitter (R-LA). The bill needed 60 votes to move forward, but was
blocked by Senate Democrats by a vote of 54-45. The House approved a similar bill in July.
The legislation had received endorsements from a number of influential organizations, including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs Association, Remembrance Project and America First Latinos.
“We have a responsibility to protect American families,” Wicker said. “Violent criminals who are in our country illegally should not be encouraged to find refuge in so-called sanctuary cities. This legislation would have been an important step toward preventing crimes like the one recently highlighted in San Francisco (the slaying of Kate Steinle). There should be consequences for undermining the enforcement of our immigration laws.”