Enforce The Law For Sanctuary Cities Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3009, the so-called ``Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act.''

This misguided legislation is purportedly a response to the heartbreaking and tragic shooting of Kathryn Steinle earlier this month. However, the reality is that this legislation cynically uses this isolated incident to scapegoat all undocumented immigrants and undermine community policing. Specifically, H.R. 3009 would withhold critical funding for State and local law enforcement agencies as well as victims of crimes unless these jurisdictions bear the burden of enforcing Federal immigration statutes.

If passed, this bill would tie the hands of local law enforcement agencies who are working to promote safety and build community trust. Requiring local police to enforce Federal immigration laws often times dissuades undocumented individuals from reporting crimes, offering testimony, and serving as witnesses in court proceedings. For example, the evidence shows that victims of domestic violence will be afraid to report these crimes to police for fear of deportation. A survey conducted by the National Domestic Violence Hotline in 2013 found that nearly 50-percent of foreign born individuals were afraid to seek help because of their immigrant status. As Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson testified earlier this month, ``mandating through legislation the conduct of sheriffs and police chiefs'' is not the way to go.

Instead of pushing these failed policies, we need to come together and pass bipartisan legislation to address our broken immigration system. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

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