Legislation Would Prohibit Sanctuary Cities In Michigan

Legislation that would prohibit Michigan municipalities and counties from enacting sanctuary city policies has been introduced in the state Senate. Sponsor Aric Nesbitt of Lawton tells WSJM News the plan would ban local governments from having policies that prohibit their police, local officials, or employees from communicating with federal officials concerning an individual’s immigration status.

“It’s very important that all units of law enforcement are able to talk to each other,” Nesbitt said. “Local police, sheriffs, state police, along with federal law enforcement, they should all be communicating.”

Nesbitt says local autonomy does not trump federal law.

“Our country is built on laws, our foundations are built on laws. It’s all about making sure that all units of government actually follow the laws of the United States of America.”

Under the legislation, a local government with a sanctuary city policy would have 60 days to come into compliance, and after that, it could face legal action. The local units would be on the hook for legal fees if they lose. Similar legislation was proposed last year. Opponents say such rules encourage racial profiling and make immigrants afraid to report crimes to police.