Independent Mail - Stopping Sanctuary Cities

Op-Ed

By Senator Tim Scott

Typically when we hear the word "sanctuary," it gives us a feeling of safety. What we do not often associate is heartbreaking loss. But, as we heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, that's exactly what Jim Steinle experienced in a so-called sanctuary city.

Mr. Steinle lived every parent's worst nightmare, as his daughter Kate was murdered right before his eyes in broad daylight in San Francisco. He testified that her last words were, "Help me, Dad."

That is absolutely devastating.

Kate Steinle was murdered by a criminal alien previously deported multiple times. When he returned through our porous border yet again, he sought out San Francisco due to the city's sanctuary city status.

Because, in reality, sanctuary cities are not providing safety, shelter or security for all. By refusing to comply with federal immigration laws and immigration authorities, these cities are knowingly creating an environment where repeat offenders can go without fear of repercussions.

It is no secret that our nation's immigration system is broken, and it is clear the solution starts at the border.

But as the need to strengthen security at our borders continues, the issue of sanctuary cities must be addressed. Studies show there are nearly 300 sanctuary cities in more than 40 states. The Obama Administration's acceptance and even support of them provides one more piece of the puzzle for those seeking to come to our country with malice, and those with criminal records longer than the immigration paperwork they do not fill out.

As long as these cities exist, refusing to work with federal authorities, career criminals like the one who took Kate Steinle's life literally out of her father's arms will have sanctuary.

That's why I co-sponsored and voted for the Stop Sanctuary Cities and Protect American Lives Act,. Among other things, this important bill would close loopholes that sanctuary cities take advantage of, and would bar some federal dollars from going to cities that refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement.

While Senate Democrats filibustered this week, it didn't mean I will stop fighting. We cannot allow the situation to lead to further tragedies.

Because, unfortunately, Kate Steinle is one of many who have lost their lives due to poor immigration and border security policies. You might not have heard of Danny Oliver, Michael Davis, or Grant Ronnebeck, but their families are grieving their loss as well. These are just a handful of the names of those sons, daughters, fathers, brothers and sisters who have had their lives taken in part due to these misguided policies.

One of these mothers shared her story with words more poignant than I could ever write at a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Laura Wilkerson, whose son Josh was brutally tortured and murdered by a man who was in our country illegally, said "Our family is left with a Birth certificate, an autopsy report and a death certificate … I urge you not to wait until it's your child or grandchild. You never want them to live through what our family and many, many others families have survived."

We cannot wait any longer. It is time to secure the border, and stop sanctuary cities. I will continue fighting to do both of these things in the U.S. Senate.

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